Home > Animals > Reptiles > Snakes > Black-Headed Snake
The Climax, 1893. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Climax, 1893. Creator: Aubrey Beardsley
The Climax, 1893. The floating figure of Salome holds the severed head of John the Baptist (Jokanaan). The head has writhing snake-like hair, and drips blood which forms a pool from which grows a white lily. A cluster of bubble-like objects perhaps reference the clusters of black grapes to which Salome compares Johns hair. Illustration for " Salome" by Oscar Wilde, [John Lane, 1894]. From " The Best of Beardsley" edited by R. A. Walker, [The Bodley Head, London, 1948]
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 24364776
© Shirley Markham Collection/Heritage Images
Aubrey Beardsley Aubrey Vincent Beardsley Beardsley Aubrey Beardsley Aubrey Vincent Blood Bloody Bodley Head Dead Decadent Movement Floating Horrifying John Lane John The Baptist Lane John Lilies Lily Oscar Fingal Oflahertie Wills Wilde Oscar Wilde Publishing Publishing House R A Walker Rainforth Armitage Walker Saint John The Baptist Salome Severed Head Shirley Markham St John The Baptist Tendril Tendrils Walker Walker R A Walker Rainforth Armitage Wilde Oscar Graphic Design Salom And Xe9 Santo
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Reptiles
> Snakes
> Black-Headed Snake
> Animals
> Reptiles
> Snakes
> Black Snake
> Related Images
> Arts
> Art Movements
> Art Nouveau
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> Aubrey Beardsley
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Guy Head
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> John White
> Arts
> Literature
> Illustration
> Arts
> Literature
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Dance
The Climax, 1893
EDITORS COMMENTS
by Aubrey Beardsley is a captivating and haunting illustration that captures the essence of Oscar Wilde's play "Salome". In this print, we see the ethereal figure of Salome floating above the ground, holding the severed head of John the Baptist (Jokanaan) in her delicate hands. The head is depicted with writhing snake-like hair, symbolizing both its grotesque nature and its connection to temptation. As blood drips from Jokanaan's decapitated body, it forms a pool on the ground from which a pure white lily grows. This juxtaposition between life and death is further emphasized by clusters of bubble-like objects reminiscent of black grapes mentioned in Wilde's text. It is through these intricate details that Beardsley masterfully brings together elements from literature, religion, and nature. The overall composition exudes an air of decadence and horror as Salome gazes upon her gruesome trophy. Her hairstyle reflects both sensuality and danger while emphasizing her role as a femme fatale within this biblical narrative. Through his unique graphic design style, Beardsley pushes boundaries with provocative imagery that challenges societal norms. This print not only showcases Beardsley's artistic talent but also serves as a testament to his contribution to art nouveau movement during the late 19th century. With meticulous attention to detail and symbolism, he creates an image that continues to captivate viewers even over a century later.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.