Salomé, lithograph designed by Alphonse Mucha and printed in colours in July 1897 by L’Imprimerie Champenois as part of “L’Estampe Moderne” a series published in 24 monthly parts, each containing four prints, between 1897-1899. Embossed with the L’Estampe Moderne stamp in the lower right margin. Size (print): 41 x 31 cm.
Depicted is the biblical figure Salome, the daughter of Herod II and princess Herodias, in a sensual and stylized manner characteristic of Alphonse Mucha’s distinct artistic style. The gospel story of her dance at the birthday celebration of her stepfather Herod Antipas, who had John the Baptist beheaded at her mother’s request, inspired art, literature and music over an extended period of time.
Fin-de-siècle Europe turned Salome into an obsession, parading her deadly dance in operas, ballets, poems, paintings, and more. Now characterized as poisonous and depraved, she was the perfect symbol of the culture’s decadent mood and its new wariness of female power. Alphonse Mucha’s Salome is erotic and exotic in her filmy costume and stylized hair, an Art Nouveau staple. With her half-closed eyes she stares provocatively….
Salome here is not depicted carrying the head of John the Baptist, but rather in the throes of the dance that gave Herod such great pleasure.
Literature: Ann Bridges (ed.), “Alphonse Mucha the complete graphic works” (1980), R10c.
Price: Euro 2.950,-
