Beheading of John the Baptist

The beheaded body of John the Baptist lies on a podium in the courtyard of the palace of Herod. A soldier picks up the head of John and the blood spurts from the body. The executioner puts his sword back in the scabbard; he is surrounded by soldiers with spears and halberds. On the right Salome approaches with the platter on which she will lay the head; next to her walks probably Herod. On top of a balcony stand spectators, flanked by two shields bearing the electorate and duchy arms of Saxony.