Бернардо Строцци – Саломея * Bernardo Strozzi (1581-1644)

The composition presents a dramatic scene dominated by two female figures and a severed head displayed prominently in the foreground. The central figure reclines on what appears to be a draped surface, her posture suggesting both languidness and a certain detached composure. She is dressed in rich fabrics – a red bodice over a white blouse with delicate lace detailing – and her long hair cascades around her shoulders. Her gaze is directed downwards towards the head presented before her, but it lacks any overt expression of horror or remorse; instead, there’s an air of cool observation.
To her left stands another woman, positioned slightly behind and to the side. This figure exhibits a markedly different emotional state. Her face is contorted in what seems to be distress – a mixture of sadness and perhaps even fear – and she observes the central figure with palpable concern. The contrast between their expressions immediately establishes a dynamic tension within the scene.
The severed head, lying on a silver platter, commands immediate attention. It’s rendered with considerable detail, capturing the texture of skin and hair. A trickle of liquid emanates from the wound, adding to the gruesome nature of the display. The lighting focuses intensely upon this element, highlighting its stark reality against the darker background.
The artist employs a chiaroscuro technique – a strong contrast between light and dark – to heighten the drama. The figures are illuminated by an unseen source, while the surrounding space recedes into shadow. This creates a sense of depth and emphasizes the theatricality of the moment.
Subtextually, the painting explores themes of power, desire, and consequence. The central figure’s apparent indifference to the severed head suggests a detachment from morality or perhaps a demonstration of absolute authority. The presence of the distressed woman hints at an internal conflict – a moral reckoning or a recognition of the gravity of the act being witnessed. The silver platter itself might symbolize wealth, luxury, or even the coldness and formality that can accompany power. Overall, the work evokes a sense of unease and invites contemplation on the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of female agency within a potentially oppressive context.