The Art of Illumination

Belles Heures of Jean de France, duc de Berry, 1405–1408/9. Herman, Paul, and Jean de Limbourg (Franco-Netherlandish, active in France by 1399–1416). French; Made in Paris. Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum; 9 3/8 x 6 5/8 in. (23.8 x 16.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.1).

Mass for Saint John the Baptist
Saint John the Baptist is Beheaded, Folio 212r

Salome, who had so charmed Herod with her dancing that he granted her wish of John’s head, stands at the left in stylish dress, holding the salver to receive her bloody prize. The executioner strikes his blow with both hands, severing John’s haloed head from his limp body, which extends out of the castle.