Salome receives the Head of John the Baptist

by. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

The first section opens with an overwhelming sense of tragedy, reflecting the horror of John the Baptist's severed head and the stark contrast in colour between the background and the figures in the painting. Triplets create a sense of unease while the tragic theme unfolds, reinforcing the painting's emotional weight. The second section shifts focus to mourning, emphasizing the sorrow of those who have lost John the Baptist. Though rooted in the first section, the theme evolves through variation, deepening the sense of grief. The harmonic language in this section evokes the era of the painting, reinforcing its emotional atmosphere.