Femme fatale is a character that has been known from antiquity, however, it only become popular in
art and literature of fin-de-siècle. The main reason for popularity in 19th century were changes in
society that principally shook the foundation of bourgeoisie. Femme fatale is best known for her
flirtatious nature, salacious behavior, and condemning men. The same can also be said for the
Priestess of Carthage by the name of Salammbô – a heroine from the novel by French author
Gustave Flaubert.
Salammbô had found her place in visual art as well. Many painters such as Jules Jean Baptiste
Toulot, Gabriel Ferrier, Carl Strathmann, Alfons Mucha, and Gaston Bussière among others, were
charmed by her intimate relationship with her pet python. The scene from the novel that inspired
artists doesn’t have high significance for the plot. However, the closeness between the woman and
the snake was very alluring for portraying. This can be seen in many art works from this era, which
also depict women with snakes.
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