The Dance of Salome

This Dance of Salome from 1447 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, depicts the fateful performance that led to the execution of John the Baptist. According to the Gospels, Salome—daughter of Herodias—danced for Herod Antipas at his birthday feast and pleased him so greatly that he swore to grant her anything she wished. At her mother's instigation she requested the Baptist's head on a platter. The subject's combination of erotic dance and consequent martyrdom fascinated medieval and Renaissance painters; Sano renders the scene with characteristic Sienese grace, the tragic outcome implicit in Salome's performance before the watching king.

The banquet scene and Salome's dance are rendered with Sano di Pietro's characteristic narrative clarity and decorative elegance, the court setting depicted with attention to costume and spatial arrangement.