Decapitating Collection

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by William McLaren
Sir Gawain takes up the challenge. As instructed by the Green Knight, he swings the battleaxe and cuts off the Green Knights head. The head falls off and rolls towards the banqueting guests

Beowulf shears off the head of Grendel, 1910. Artist: John Henry Frederick Bacon
Beowulf shears off the head of Grendel, 1910. A print from Hero Myths and Legends of the British Race by MI Ebbutt, 1910

The Beheading of Saint Paul, Originally modelled 1643-1647; this example before 1753. Creator: Vincenzo Foggini
The Beheading of Saint Paul, Originally modelled 1643-1647; this example before 1753

Krishna Preparing to Decapitate King Kamsa, King of the Krishna Suit, Playing... Mid-18th century. Creator: Unknown
Krishna Preparing to Decapitate King Kamsa, King of the Krishna Suit, Playing Card from a Dashavatara (Ten Avatars) Ganjifa Set, Mid-18th century

The Legend of the Baker of Eekloo, 1550-1650. Creator: Unknown
The Legend of the Baker of Eekloo, 1550-1650

Judith and Holofernes, 1659. Creator: Jan de Bray
Judith and Holofernes, 1659

Judith with the Head of Holofernes, c.1497-c.1500. Creator: Sandro Botticelli
Judith with the Head of Holofernes, c.1497-c.1500

Judith with the Head of Holofernes, 1500-1539. Creator: Pordenone
Judith with the Head of Holofernes, 1500-1539

The Death of Orpheus, c. 1870. Creator: Henri Leopold Levy
The Death of Orpheus, c. 1870

Barbarian scenes in Seville (colour litho)
2778053 Barbarian scenes in Seville (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: Barbarian scenes in Seville)

Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist, c. 1580. Creator: Unknown
Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist, c. 1580

How the Serpent that guarded the Gold Fleece was slain, 1926. Orpheus sings the serpent to sleep before Jason cuts off its head. A print from Tales of the Greek Seas by Andrew Lang, 1926

Perseus cuts off Medusas head, 1655. Artist: Michel de Marolles
Perseus cuts off Medusas head, 1655. A plate from Michel de Marolless Tableaux du Temple des Muses, Paris, 1655. Found in the collection of Jean Claude Carriere

Perseus cuts off Medusas head, 1733. Artist: Bernard Picart
Perseus cuts off Medusas head, 1733. A plate from Le Temple des Muses, Amsterdam, 1733. Found in the collection of Jean Claude Carriere

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"Decapitating: A Glimpse into the Art of Severed Heads" From ancient tales to medieval masterpieces, decapitation has long captivated artists' imaginations. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by William McLaren, we witness the fateful moment when a green-skinned knight's head is severed from his body, only to continue speaking. This haunting scene echoes Beowulf's triumph as he shears off Grendel's head in John Henry Frederick Bacon's vivid illustration. Moving through time and art forms, we encounter a stunning detail from the Triptych of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. Painted between 1474-79, this oil panel depicts a beheading that symbolizes martyrdom and faith. The mythological realm offers Perseus cutting off Medusa's serpent-haired head in vibrant color lithography. The sheer bravery required for such an act is further emphasized in an engraving from 1731 titled "Perseus Cuts Off Medusa’s Head. " Religious narratives also explore this theme; St. Margaret of Antioch meets her fate with grace as depicted on an oak panel altar frontal from Santa Margarida de Vilaseca Convent. Meanwhile, Judith displays her courage by slaying Holofernes in bronze sculpture crafted around 1460. Stepping beyond Europe, we discover depictions of decapitation among indigenous cultures too. An intricate stucco relief on a pyramid dating back to Late Classic period showcases Mesoamerican beliefs surrounding death and sacrifice. Even historical events find their place within this macabre fascination - Bayeux Tapestry immortalizes Harold's fallen brothers Gyrth and Leofwine during battle with embroidered wool threads. Through these diverse artworks spanning centuries, one cannot help but marvel at humanity's enduring fascination with beheadings - whether rooted in mythology or history - each piece offers a glimpse into the complex emotions and narratives surrounding this gruesome act.