The Daughter of Herodias Dancing (Hérodiade dansant)
James Tissot
European Art
Although Herod had imprisoned John the Baptist for speaking against his marriage to Herodias, the ruler admired the Baptist as a wise and righteous man.
On the occasion of Herod’s birthday, Salome, the daughter of Herodias, dances before the guests, pleasing the host so much that he promises her anything she wants. Tissot notes that he found inspiration for his image of Salome’s acrobatic dance in ancient reliefs from sources as diverse as Egypt, India, and Persia as well as the reliefs of the Cathedral of Rouen in his native France.
To Herod’s dismay, the young woman, following her mother’s wish, demands the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although loath to kill the Baptist, Herod reluctantly accedes to this request. In the second image shown here, Tissot adds a further macabre flourish: drawing on a tradition related by Saint Jerome, Herodias pierces the tongue of the dead Baptist as revenge for his rebukes of her profligacy.
On the occasion of Herod’s birthday, Salome, the daughter of Herodias, dances before the guests, pleasing the host so much that he promises her anything she wants. Tissot notes that he found inspiration for his image of Salome’s acrobatic dance in ancient reliefs from sources as diverse as Egypt, India, and Persia as well as the reliefs of the Cathedral of Rouen in his native France.
To Herod’s dismay, the young woman, following her mother’s wish, demands the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although loath to kill the Baptist, Herod reluctantly accedes to this request. In the second image shown here, Tissot adds a further macabre flourish: drawing on a tradition related by Saint Jerome, Herodias pierces the tongue of the dead Baptist as revenge for his rebukes of her profligacy.
MEDIUM
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
DATES
1886–1896
DIMENSIONS
Image: 9 5/16 x 7 5/16 in. (23.7 x 18.6 cm)
Sheet: 9 5/16 x 7 5/16 in. (23.7 x 18.6 cm)
Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
00.159.131
CREDIT LINE
Purchased by public subscription
PROVENANCE
1900, purchased from the artist by the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Daughter of Herodias Dancing (Hérodiade dansant), 1886–1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 9 5/16 x 7 5/16 in. (23.7 x 18.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.131 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.131_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 00.159.131_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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