The Feast of Herod Most likely made as a wedding present to decorate a new marital home, the brutality and sordid aspects of the blood-chilling story of Herod’s feast have been marginalised to leave a scene of multi-sensory feasting. Herod and his new wife are seated behind a table laden with pyramidal food compositions and various heaped platters; a servant carries in an ornate pie. Bottom right, Salome holds a platter with the head of John the Baptist, who was executed for having criticised the incest of Herod, reminding viewers of the dangers of food, greed, and sexual lust.

Norway, 1685 Woven wool

Given by Mrs Beasley (T.2-1945)