Salome, daughter of Herodias and stepdaughter of King Herod Antipas, danced so beautifully that the ruler agreed to fulfil her every wish. Incited by the cruel Herodias, the girl asked for the head of John the Baptist. Walery Gadomski showed the girlish Salome after she finished her dance, walking down the steps of the royal hall to receive her gory gift. The biblical theme is a pretext justifying the exotic setting. Flashy details, rendered with great care and accuracy, emphasize the aura emanating from the dancer. Salome epitomizes destructive female eroticism: so strong that it could drive the king to murder. The painting fits very well within the themes of 19th century academic art - fascination with cruelty disguised in an oriental or ancient costume was typical of painters and sculptors connected with the Paris Academy.

Agata Małodobry