Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist - Albrecht Altdorfer

A detailed study of Salome by Albrecht Altdorfer, rendered in pen and ink with white heightening on brown paper.

This drawing by Albrecht Altdorfer depicts the biblical figure of Salome, who holds a platter containing the severed head of St. John the Baptist. Altdorfer, a member of the Danube School, demonstrates his technical skill through the use of pen and ink on prepared brown paper. The application of white heightening creates a sense of volume and light, allowing the figure to emerge from the dark ground.

Salome is rendered in the contemporary fashion of the early sixteenth century, wearing a dress with puffed sleeves and an elaborate headdress adorned with feathers. Her long, flowing hair cascades down her shoulders, adding a sense of movement to the composition. The artist focuses on the contrast between the decorative nature of her attire and the grim subject matter she carries. The lines are precise and controlled, reflecting the graphic traditions of the German Renaissance.

Altdorfer was known for his interest in both the human figure and the natural world, often integrating them into his compositions. In this study, the attention to detail in the fabric folds and the facial features of both Salome and the saint indicates a high level of observation. The work serves as an example of the period's fascination with dramatic narrative scenes, often executed with a focus on graphic clarity. The use of white highlights on a tinted ground was a common technique among artists of the time, providing a medium for exploring light and shadow without the need for full colour. This print captures the original quality of the drawing, preserving the texture of the paper and the delicate application of the white ink.