Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, 19th century

Egg tempera on panel

Height x width: 35.5 x 30.5 cm

The Church Slavonic inscription in red lettering along the upper edge clearly identifies the subject: "Image of the Beheading of the Venerable Head of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John." From an iconographic perspective, the panel is a complex hagiographic work capable of encapsulating the entire martyrdom within a sequential, almost cinematic narrative. The act of beheading takes place at the center of the scene: the executioner, clad in vibrant Eastern-style attire, brandishes a curved scimitar over the Baptist’s bowed body, while the severed head already lies on the ground, surrounded by a gush of blood and a golden halo. Immediately to the right, the second phase of the Gospel narrative unfolds: a young Salome respectfully receives the prophet's head on a golden platter from a guard as she emerges from a monumental architectural portico symbolizing Herod's palace; through a palace window, one can also glimpse the banquet scene featuring Herodias. On the opposite side, a wooden tower enclosed by a palisade depicts the Baptist in prayer, symbolizing his prior imprisonment. The upper section of the composition is dominated by the celestial realm, where God the Father emerges in a gesture of blessing amidst soft, reddish clouds—bearing an eight-pointed star-studded halo and holding the orb of the world—as He bestows divine grace upon the tragic earthly event. The icon is flanked on its side margins (*polja*) by two standing patron saints—included, undoubtedly, out of family devotion: a Guardian Angel on the left and a monastic saint on the right. Stylistically, the work displays the refined, miniature-like craftsmanship characteristic of workshops in Central Russia (such as Palekh or Mstëra). The vibrant color palette—dominated by the vivid hues of red, green, and blue robes—stands out magnificently against the brilliant gold background, transforming the drama of the martyrdom into an atmosphere of profound sanctity and composure.