According to the Gospel of Mark, King Herod beheaded John the Baptist at the request of his stepdaughter Salome. Salome danced for the king and his dinner guests and pleased him so much that he promised to grant her every wish. Prompted by her mother, Herodias, Salome said, “Bring me John’s head on a platter,” and her wish was immediately granted. Herodias had a grudge against the prophet because he publicly accused her of unlawful marriage with Herod.

Though a popular subject of Western religious art, the theme of John the Baptist was not depicted in Russian iconography until the early 17th century. This Yaroslavian icon was one of the earliest works featuring this theme. To educate the believers, the icon-painter places the scenes from the life of John the Baptist along the sides of this icon.

Happening Now

Monumental Soviet Paintings

Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Sunday, September 21, 2025

Monumental Soviet Paintings post image
Russia’s Native Mushrooms: Botanical Watercolors by Alexander Viazmensky post image

Chemiakin’s Worlds

Saturday, March 15, 2025 - Sunday, June 22, 2025

Chemiakin’s Worlds post image

Geometric Abstraction: Selections from the Kolodzei Art Foundation Collection

Saturday, February 1, 2025 - Sunday, June 1, 2025

Geometric Abstraction: Selections from the Kolodzei Art Foundation Collection post image
Say No to War: Political Cartoons by Ukrainian and Russian Artists – The 4th Iteration post image
The Permanent Collection Gallery post image