Herod and Salome by Ewald Dahlskog (Swedish 1894-1950)

Stylized, yes, but sensuous and powerful, this transitional Art Nouveau-Art Deco painting depicts King Herod whispering into the ear of Salome, calling upon her to deliver the head of St. John the Baptist, thereby eliminating a rival to the King who was loved and respected by the people. Salome is shown here with her head turned away but her eyes fixed upon the king, dressed in nothing but a gauzy and beaded bit of fabric around her hips. The artist, Ewald Dahlskog, uses a rich palette of sapphire and emerald for this scene, and gives Salome's flesh a rich, pale brown hue that accentuates the rich tones. The artist was famous for his work in several media, including intarsia (inlaid wood patterns), glass, ceramics and murals, including "The Sower" painted on one of the ceilings of Stockholm's famous City Hall, a bank in Paris, and interiors for a cruise ship commissioned by Swedish America Line. The painting is pencil and watercolor, and is signed and dated 1915.