This painting, The Dance of Salomé, was an Emperor’s wedding gift to his grand-daughter. It is reckoned to be the greatest work by Hungarian artist Gyula Tornai
Salome by Hungarian artist Gyula Tornai. (Click on image to enlarge)
(1868–1928) ever to have come to market and features at Christie’s sale of 19th Century European and Orientalist Art in London on June 15. Salomé was a popular theme in art and literature in the 19th century. Oscar Wilde’s play on the theme was used as a libretto by Richard Strauss for his opera of the same name.
The work was given by Franz-Josef, Emperor of Austria to his granddaughter as a wedding gift. It subsequently passed by descent to the present owner. It has never been on the art market before and is estimated at £1-1.5 million.
The art auction features works by Giovanni Boldoni, Eugène Delacroix and nine works by Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot as well as Ottoman and Orientalist paintings.
UPDATE: THIS REMAINED UNSOLD AT AUCTION.