Mata Hari

Alexander Shappo
Lithography. 100 × 70

The work is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, symbolized by the image of the famous spy, cruel beauty Mata Hari. In her hands she holds a severed head and a sword, like the Indian goddess of death Kali, as well as a weapon of the beginning of the 20th century – a Mauser. Toned muscles of the heroine reveal her career of a professional dancer, unwomanly strength and ability to stand up for herself. The weakness of the fair sex and feminine vulnerability prove to be a mask, hiding the true face known to nobody.