SALOMÉ

Robert Henri / American, 1865-1929. SN 937, Oil on Canvas 1909

From: The Pages

ARTIST:
Henri was the leader of the so called Ash Can School, a group of former Philadelphia newspaper illustrators, who were the first artists to focus on the urban scene. Henri studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, where he was a student of Thomas Eakins, and also at the Academie Julian in Paris, where he obtained a thorough understanding of Manet, Velazquez, Rembrandt and Hals. He was introduced to the New York art world by William Merritt Chase, and taught at the New York School of Art founded by Chase until 1908 when he founded his own school, where his models were often theatrical people.

The Ash Can School group painted with broad, bravura brushwork that imparted a certain spontaneity to their work. This group of "Eight" exhibited their works in open protest against the restrictive policies of the National Academy of Design. Their work came to stand for pictorial realism in American painting. Henri himself painted mainly portraits and landscapes, using impasto brushstrokes and strong chiaroscuro. His work became progressively more colorful after 1909. Henri's reputation was, however, based on his ability as a crusader, charismatic teacher, and leader of the Ash Can School. He was a powerful force in turning young artists away from academia and toward the rich subject-matter provided by an urban life populated by actors, dancers, prostitutes, and boxers, among others.

SUBJECT:
The subject of this painting is the Salomé of Richard Strauss' opera, personified by soprano Mademoiselle Voclezca in the title role.

PAINTING:
This painting provides a characteristic view of the seductive dance of Salomé, with a brush that traces its sinuous motion. Henri captures the daring dance and its lissom, exotic motion. This Salomé is a brazen and vital mistress of the dance of the seven veils. Her long leg is thrust out with a sexual arrogance, and shining through the black veil is the sexual promise of a thousand women. This lithe female, with glistening skin and bright red lips, is the personification of all things sensuous.

HISTORIC CONTEXT:
By 1900 the myth of the west as the last frontier had slid into nostalgia. The real frontier was urban - a place of rapid change where class ground against class. New York City was its epitome. The Ashcan school were the painters who reported on the City, and their leader was Robert Henri. His students and followers included John Sloan, George Bellows, and George Luks, among others; it was they who created the first art of urban America. Wilde's play and Strauss' opera, entitled Salomé, shocked society with its realism into a new sexual awareness and Henri's art also played its part.

Ringling Museum

Clark Museum, Williamstown, MA