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Salome

  • Henry Ossawa Tanner, Salome, ca. 1900, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jesse O. Tanner, 1983.95.207A

Luce Center Label

Salome stands out from Henry Ossawa Tanner's other religious images, which are more conservative than this provocative painting. Salome's demand for the head of John the Baptist is one of the most lurid stories in the Bible. She dances for her stepfather, who rewards her beauty by giving her the prophet’s head on a platter. Here, Tanner presented Salome in a revealing gown, emphasizing her sensuality. The yellow shape in the lower left of the image, marked with red paint, suggests the corpse of John the Baptist.

Title
Salome
Artist
Henry Ossawa Tanner
Date
ca. 1900
On View
  1. Smithsonian American Art Museum
  2. Luce Foundation Center
  3. 3rd Floor
  4. 12A
Dimensions
45 7/8 x 35 1/4 in. (116.5 x 89.4 cm.)
Copyright
Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Gift of Jesse O. Tanner

Mediums
oil
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Painting
Keywords
  • Religion – New Testament – Salome
Object Number
1983.95.207A
Palette
Linked Open Data URI
Audio

Salome
1899,oil on board

HENRY OSSAWA TANNER
Born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1859– Died: Paris, France 1937

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