Femme Fatale - irresistibly attractive woman that brings danger and disaster to man that is involved with her. These women are known to use manipulation and seduction. Salome (c. AD 14 – between 62 and 71) was a historical and biblical figure that became an inspiration for artists through the centuries. Christian traditions depict Salome as an icon of dangerous female seductiveness, which is reasonable in regard to the dance before Herod, which was mentioned in the New Testament. This dance as thought had an erotic element to it, and led to the death of John the Baptist. This Gallery shows how her image was changing through the centuries.
Salome, Spinello Aretino [Spinello di Luca Spinelli], About 1390, From the collection of: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
Spinello Aretino depicted Salome with her head down. Composition in this painting is well thought out, lines lead to the key elements like eyes and mouth.
The Head of Saint John the Baptist Brought before Herod, Giovanni di Paolo (Italian, about 1399–1482), 1455/60, From the collection of: The Art Institute of Chicago
On this painting Giovanni di Paolo depicted the party in Herod's palace, where Salome brought the head of John the Baptist to Herod. Contrast of colors and shapes helps to define characters.
Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist, Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1530s, From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
In this painting Lucas Cranach depicted Salome as a young blonde that holds the plate with the head of John the Baptist. Proportion in this piece is unusual, Salome's head is unproportionally big.
Salome, Bernardo Strozzi, after 1630, From the collection of: Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Bernardo Strozzi depicted Salome and other woman with the head of John the Baptist on a plate. Salome is sitting on a table and touching the head. Lines in this composition lead to the head.
The Apparition, Gustave Moreau, circa 1876, From the collection of: Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Gustave Moreau depicted Salome in a palace pointing at the head of John the Baptist, which is flying and glowing. Composition of this piece making a head central element as well as Salome.
Salome, Bertram Mackennal, circa 1895, From the collection of: Art Gallery of New South Wales
Bertram Mackennal in his sculpture depicted Salome standing naked in a helmet with a sword she is holding behind. The balance and movement in this piece are unusual as she is changing her posture.
Salome, Stuck, Franz von, 1906, From the collection of: Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus and Kunstbau
Franz von Stuck depicted Salome as she is dancing with a space on a background, while the head is brought to her. Movement of the dance and the space pattern make Salome main element on this painting.
Judith II Salomè, Gustav Klimt, 1909 - 1909, From the collection of: Ca' Pesaro - Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna
Gustav Klimt depicted Salome with the head of John the Baptist. The head is half way covered with a bag, emphasizing Salome as a main element. Texture and color are significant to Klimt's style.
Salome, Joseph Glasco, 1968 - 1968, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Joseph Glasco depicted Salome as a morphed human shape covered with randomized red texture. Yellow figure stands on the red background covered with red pattern. That create significant look of piece.
Salome-Judith, Izabella Gustowska, 1986 - 1987, From the collection of: Museum Kampa
In this art piece Izabella Gustowska depicted Salome and Judith sitting together. Their appearance seem both antique and contemporary. Color are significant because of the mixed art techniques used.
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Museum Kampa
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Art Institute of Chicago
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Ca' Pesaro - Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna
Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus and Kunstbau
Musée d’Orsay, Paris