The Dance of Salomè
The lower part depicts, in a single stage-like setting, with solemn central perspective softened by a gentle light, the Dance of Salomè, the Beheading of John the Baptist (that occupies part of the back wall as well) and the Presentation of the head to Herodias.

A simple marble step leads into the dining hall, with his handsome inlaid floor, at the sides of which, behind the table set for the feast, the guests observe the elegant Dance of the Seven Veils, sinuous and light (perhaps inspired by the relief on a classical sarcophagus, this figure had an enormous influence on Botticelli, then a pupil of Lippi). Beyond the imposing figure of the soldier, which separates the scene, the saint is being beheaded. On the right of the fresco, the luminous, self-absorbed young figure of Salomè ( see images)as she holds out the head of John the Baptist to her mother Herodias, elegant and handsome, whose cold indifference contrasts with the rich range of expressions of surprise and disgust on the faces of the other guests present at this macabre scene. On the far right, among the most successful figures of the fresco, are two children dressed in white ( see images): the girl is clearly curious, and would like to turn and look – as we can see from her expression and the position of her leg – while the boy, who has turned her back on the scene, averts his gaze downward.
In this scene, it is rather clear that the original design called for a progressive increase in the proportions of the figures moving toward the rear of the scene, for a correction of the perspective from the entrance to the chapel.  back >


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