Salome

Copied Paul Manship, Salome, 1915, bronze, 18 1⁄2 x 13 5⁄8 x 10 3⁄8 in. (47.0 x 34.6 x 26.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.34

Artwork Details

Title
Salome
Artist
Founder
Roman Bronze Works
Date
1915
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
18 1⁄2 x 13 5⁄8 x 10 3⁄8 in. (47.0 x 34.6 x 26.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Religion — New Testament — Salome
  • Performing arts — dance
  • State of being — death — execution
  • Religion — saint — St. John the Baptist
Object Number
1966.47.34
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.47.34

Artwork Description

In the New Testament, Salome is King Herod's beautiful stepdaughter. Herod was so entranced with Salome that he offered her anything "unto the half of my kingdom" if she performed the Dance of the Seven Veils for his birthday (Mark 6:21). John the Baptist had angered Salome by rejecting her, and after she performed her seductive dance she asked Herod for John's head on a silver platter. This biblical story of royal intrigue, sex, and murder has inspired many artists, including composer Richard Strauss and author Oscar Wilde, whose 1893 stage version was banned in England for more than thirty years. Here, Salome's elaborate drapery and long limbs lead the viewer's eye to the decapitated head, emphasizing her bittersweet victory over the prophet.