The False Accusation

Description

Title: The False Accusation
Size: 16 x 20 inches
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Style: Figurative German Expressionism
Artist: ArNoUx

Curatorial Description:
This haunting expressionist portrait captures the moment of betrayal involving Herodias, the wife of Herod Antipas, who falsely accused John the Baptist. The figure, painted with ethereal blues and greens, emerges from an ominous and blurred background — evoking both sensuality and distortion, echoing the duality of deception and power. The eyes are shadowed, lips darkened, and posture ghostly still, emphasizing the manipulative force behind the accusation that led to John’s imprisonment.

The artwork does not seek to vilify but to provoke contemplation on how ambition and pride can distort truth. Hints of floral and abstract organic shapes within the piece symbolize seduction and moral confusion.

Biblical Reference:
Mark 6:17-20 — “For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested… because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married… Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.”