Lucas Cranach the Elder
Salome for ages was known as one of the most cruel and horrible women in history. She was a Jewish princess and the daughter of Herod II. She is known from the New Testament (where she is not named) and from an account by Flavius Josephus. Her dance at the birthday celebration of her stepfather, who had John the Baptist beheaded at her request, inspired art, literature, and music over an extended period of time.
The artist we present today, Lucas Cranach the Elder, was a close friend of Martin Luther, and the godfather to his children. He made illustrations of Luther's Bible translations. But Cranach's studio also produced dozens of depictions of Salome and the biblical heroine, Judith, who owed their popularity to their thrilling sensuality. They are icy, sadistic, and triumphant, in the extreme attire of classy ladies of the time, and what is more they are endowed with the facial features of the illustrious beauties of the local court of electors of Saxony in Wittenberg.
P.S. Explore the stories of famous queens from classical times!
P.P.S. September is the time of our annual 2024 DailyArt calendars presale, with a unique discount of -25% . Check what we have prepared this time to enlighten the next year here! :)