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Gustave Moreau
(1826-1898)
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Self-Portrait,
1850 |
| Gustave Moreau was
a French artist born in Paris. Considered by some to be
the early leader of the Symbolist and Surrealist
movements, Moreau was inspired by the Romantic artists.
He studied under Picot and also under Chasseriau whom it
is rumored became his lover. Moreau mainly painted
historical, mythological and religious themes, and
tended to paint his ideas rather than real life
figures. |
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Orpheus, 1865
Bathsheba
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Moreau created his
unique compositions in both oil and watercolor. Art
critics have called his work dream-like epics, and have
even hinted that they were created while he was on the
influence of opium. Moreau's oeuvre consisted of
mythological creatures and scenes from classical Greek
stories, beautifully executed in a post-Romantic,
pre-Surrealist style. |
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Hesiod and the Muse
Oedipus and the Sphynx
The Unicorns
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During his career, he
won a number of prizes at the salons and was made a
Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1875. After 1886,
Moreau discontinued showing his art at the salons or
elsewhere. Moreau became a professor at the Ecole des
Beaux-Arts in 1891 where he taught a number of famous
painters such as Henri Matisse. |
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Galatia
Phaeton
Europa and the Bull
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Throughout his career,
Moreau strived to create a style that proved to be
matched by no other. It is even said that he refused to
sell his paintings to anyone but his close friends. It
is also said that due to his perfectionist nature,
Moreau left a number of unfinished pieces, now housed in
museums or perhaps even in unknown locations. |
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Salome and the Head of John
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In many ways, Moreau's
work was an echo of Renaissance art of the past and also
a precursor for Fantasy artists today. Though his name
may not ring as familiar as many other artists, Moreau
certainly left a mark on the art world and influenced
generations of painters to come. |
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Jupiter and Semele
Poete Voyageur
Perseus and Andromeda
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Today, Moreau's work
is housed all over Europe, especially at the museum in
Paris that bears his name, located in his former studio.
Still wondering about an interesting Symbolist painting
hanging in your home? Contact us... it could be by
Gustave Moreau. |
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