Salomé c. 1897

Alphonse Mucha created this representation of ‘Salomé’ in the Art Nouveau style, a movement that intersected with shifting views on female identity. Here, Salomé, of biblical infamy, gazes coolly, almost bored, as she holds the platter for the head of John the Baptist. Mucha’s rendering challenges conventional depictions of Salomé as either a seductive temptress or a cruel manipulator. This is a woman in control, detached from the drama, almost reclaiming her narrative. The intricate details in her clothing, the jewelry in her hair, and the stylized patterns in the background reflect the Art Nouveau aesthetic and create a sense of otherworldly beauty, however it also hints at the orientalism which was prevalent at the time. Mucha's "Salomé" is not just a retelling of a biblical story, but also an exploration of female agency and identity at the turn of the century.