538 - J. FREY (*1681) after RENI (*1575), Salome with the head of John, 1745, Etching

J. FREY (*1681) after RENI (*1575), Salome with the head of John, 1745, Etching Jakob Frey sen. (1681 Hochdorf near Lucerne - 1752 Rom) after Guido Reni (1575 Calvenzano - 1642 Bologna): Salome with the head of John Salome presents the head of John the Baptist, 1745, Etching Technique: Etching on Paper Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "Guido Reni pinx. | I. Frex del. et inc. Romae 1745". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "At illa praemonita a matre sua, da mihi, inquit, hic in disco CAPVT IOANNIS BAPTISTAE Et allatum est Caput eius in disco, et datum est Puellae. [...]". Verso further inscription: "From the Babtist head in a Charger". Date: 1745 Description: In a dramatic baroque composition, this sheet shows Salome receiving the severed head of John the Baptist on a bowl. The scene is richly animated and characterised by theatrical gestures: Salome stands elegantly with her hand on her hip, while the executioner kneels and hands over the bloody head Keywords: Salome; John the Baptist; Guido Reni; Baroque; Copper engraving; Italian print; 18th century; Dramatic scene; Biblical theme; Martyr's death; Figure of a woman; Executed person; Tableau vivant; Historical depiction; Contrast of light and shadow; Etching; 1745; Dance of Salome; Ancient clothing; Art after Reni; 18th century; Baroque; Religious; Italy; Size: Paper: 52,6 cm x 33,2 cm (20,7 x 13,1 in), Depiction: 46,4 cm x 31,5 cm (18,3 x 12,4 in) Condition: Rather good condition. The sheet is discoloured and slightly foxed due to its age. Corners slightly bumped and edges not neatly trimmed in some places. Some creases, in particular a vertical crease at the bottom centre, outside the image. There is a crease horizontally in the centre. Tiny bluish stain in the upper left margin. The print itself is in good condition, with well-preserved printing ink, clear lines and contrasts. Lettering very legible. Verso with a brownish stain at top centre.