The Beheading of John the Baptist

Matthew 14: 6-11

6. But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

7. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

8. And she, being before instructed of her mother said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.

9. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.

10. And he sent, the beheaded John in the prison.

11.And his head was brought in a charger and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

We had the opportunity to see the Caravaggio original painting in the St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta last week.  It is said to be Caravaggio’s masterpiece and one of the most important works in Western art. It is a massive 12’X17’ intended to be an alter piece. The intense emotions of human suffering comes alive, the story from Mathew is heart breaking on so many levels. I stood in awe of this painting for a long while to trying comprehend all that it represents. Most definitely a favorite.