Dumile Feni - Betrayed (Head of John the Baptist), 1968

Dumile Feni (1942-1991)
Betrayed (Head of John the Baptist) (1968)
Pen and ink on paper / 335 x 445 mm
CCAC #0079

Donated by Albie Sachs

Feni was born to devout Christian Xhosa parents in Worcester, Western Cape. It might have been his religious upbringing and possible exposure to Salome receives the Head of John the Baptist by Caravaggio, whilst in exile in London, that inspired this work. It also evokes other paintings of the biblical beheading of John the Baptist.