Antonio Balestra (1666–1740) Lot n° 32

The Verona-born artist studied in Venice and Rome from Carlo Maratta (1625–1713). He worked in Verona and Venice. Herod's banquet ends with the frightening appearance of the young Salome, who, as a prize for the dance in front of her stepfather, demands the head of John at the request of her mother Herodias. She then serves it on a plate from her mother. Herod shrinks in horror, while the faces of Herodias and Salome express satisfaction. The style of the painting is anchored in Venetian painting, the female head types, the coloring and the boldly composed figures point to Antonio Balestra as the creator of the picture. 108 × 85 cm Oil on canvas