Herodias: Page 53, The head entered and mannaeus held it by the hair, at arm’s length, proud from the applause (1928)

This fascinating piece by William Walcot, titled "Herodias: Page 53, The head entered and Mannaues held it by the hair, at arm’s length, proud from the applause" (1928), is a vivid and dynamic artwork rendered with striking draughtsmanship. The sketch portrays a solitary figure, exhibiting dramatic tension and raw emotion. The evocative image captures a man holding up a severed head by its hair, with his other arm stretched out, poised in a bravado stance. His muscular form is rendered with loose, expressive lines that echo the grim intensity of the scene. The use of stark, sweeping strokes and the noticeable absence of elaborate detail elsewhere emphasize the macabre nature of the act and the pride of Mannaues in his deed.This work, steeped in historical and biblical references, likely alludes to the story of John the Baptist's beheading at the behest of Herodias’ daughter, Salome. However, Walcot's rendition focuses squarely on the executioner, adding a unique narrative perspective by highlighting the grotesque triumph in the grim context of the act. The figure's expression and the handling of the severed head make this moment not only a capture of death but also a chilling portrayal of human emotion and the darkness it can entail.