Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, Jan Adam Kruseman, c. 1861
Salome is a biblical ‘femme fatale’ par excellence: she was responsible for the death of John the Baptist. Because Salome danced so beautifully for King Herod, he granted her a wish. In consultation with her mother, Herodias, Salome asked for John’s head on a platter. They thus ensured John’s demise for having criticized Herodias’ marriage.