Henri Regnault Philippe

HENRI REGNAULT PHILIPPE SAUVAN-MAGNET (Paris, 1843 - Buzenval, 1871).
"Salome", 1870.
Oil on canvas.
Presents good state of conservation.
Signed, dated and located (Rome) in the upper left area.
Measurements: 26 x 17 cm; 50 x 41 cm (frame).
The biblical character of Salome has been the subject of observation and study throughout history. It is a character that has transcended the centuries and has become part of the western iconographic tradition. For this reason, several iconographic characteristics can be found, because, as writers and scholars of art began to represent this Jewish princess, different characteristics emerged that would form a generous visual vocabulary of her own. During the 19th century, Oscar Wilde would take up the figure of Salome, giving her a new meaning, being recognized as a femme fatale, being introduced in an atmosphere of fantasy, love, madness and suffering, accompanied by a tragic and fatalistic feeling.

In this image we can observe a beautiful woman in front of a golden background, represented with an oriental dress, aesthetics of frequent use during this century, because previously it was customary to represent her with the costumes of the time; Salome, seated and in a relaxed position, holds a tray and a dagger, elements that will serve her in her crime before John the Baptist, whose death is required by her mother Heredia.
This particular work follows the patterns of that made by Henri Regnault Philippe Sauvan-Magnet in 1870, who initially represented this Italian model as an African woman. With curly hair, untidy clothes, she has just danced for her stepfather Herod, governor of Judea. The plate and knife allude to her reward: the severed head of John the Baptist.