Fatal women have always been a popular subject: from Eve and Cleopatra to Mata Hari or, to name a more recent example, Ruby. One of the most depicted among them is undoubtedly Salome. Apparently, the biblical story about the attractive girl who demands the head of John the Baptist from her stepfather, in exchange for her seductive dance, captivated the minds of many writers and artists, as well as their audiences.
Salome’s wish – secretly suggested by her mother Herodias - was prompted by revenge, revenge for John’s moral judgment on the marriage of King Herod with Herodias, his sister-in-law. The vengeful character of Salome’s deed and the triumphal look in her eyes are captured brilliantly by the painter Carel Fabritius. Salome’s aggressive, decisive posture, but also her fancy dress with bird feathers, emphasize the girl’s dominance over the situation.
Carel Fabritius (1622-1654) was trained by Rembrandt, which is clearly visible in the typical brushwork, earth tones and golden highlights. Fabritius was one of Rembrandts most talented and inventive pupils. Sadly, his life ended much too soon: he died due to a massive explosion of gunpowder in his place of residence Delft. In this disaster, his studio also got severely damaged and most of his work was destroyed by fire. Only a handful of Fabritius’ delicate paintings are still with us, among which this macabre Salome.
Salome’s wish – secretly suggested by her mother Herodias - was prompted by revenge, revenge for John’s moral judgment on the marriage of King Herod with Herodias, his sister-in-law. The vengeful character of Salome’s deed and the triumphal look in her eyes are captured brilliantly by the painter Carel Fabritius. Salome’s aggressive, decisive posture, but also her fancy dress with bird feathers, emphasize the girl’s dominance over the situation.
Carel Fabritius (1622-1654) was trained by Rembrandt, which is clearly visible in the typical brushwork, earth tones and golden highlights. Fabritius was one of Rembrandts most talented and inventive pupils. Sadly, his life ended much too soon: he died due to a massive explosion of gunpowder in his place of residence Delft. In this disaster, his studio also got severely damaged and most of his work was destroyed by fire. Only a handful of Fabritius’ delicate paintings are still with us, among which this macabre Salome.
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