Salomé Dancing Before the Head of St. John the Baptist 1846 - 1898

Gustave Moreau made this watercolor painting, Salomé Dancing Before the Head of St. John the Baptist, using watercolor and graphite on paper. The inherent qualities of watercolor allowed Moreau to achieve fluid lines and translucent effects, which add to the dreamlike quality of this scene. He applied thin washes of color to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The way that watercolors blend so seamlessly with the paper gives the image an ethereal quality, fitting for a scene with such a strong narrative. The subtle use of graphite helps define the forms and add detail, like in the folds of Salomé’s dress. The method allows for a certain amount of spontaneity and improvisation. The final artwork encourages us to look beyond the surface, and consider the complex interplay of materials, methods, and cultural context. Hopefully, this shows us that art can be understood more fully when we appreciate the labor, skill, and choices involved in its making.