This sculpture by Affortunato Gory, robed in a richly jewelled and embroidered costume, wears a delicately carved diadem on her head. As she dances on her tiptoes, her voluminous skirt and outstretched stole appear to flow with the movement.

The oriental dancer was a popular subject during this period in all forms of art and this is a particularly captivating example by an artist at the height of his powers. Gory is said to have been inspired by Oscar Wilde’s play, Salomé, first performed in 1906. Maud Allan, the famous dancer who played Salome, designed a costume that displays clear parallels to Gory’s sculpture.

The figure stands on an octagonal bronze base and is signed « A. Gory « .

DIMENSIONS

• • • • Sculpture :  97 x 31 x 31cm
      • Plinth : 23 x 23 cm