Salome 1888

Alfred Stevens created this oil on canvas painting called ‘Salome’. Salome is holding a golden platter with what appears to be the head of John the Baptist. The image evokes a dark and mysterious narrative with biblical roots. The Salome figure has appeared repeatedly throughout history, embodying female power, seduction, and danger. This motif can be traced back to antiquity but gained prominence during the Renaissance and beyond. In some depictions, Salome is a temptress, while in others, she is a tragic figure, caught in a web of political intrigue and desire. The platter motif, laden with its grim offering, evokes a deep, psychological response, touching on themes of sacrifice, retribution, and the consequences of unchecked power. It has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.