Gustave Moreau

Date of Birth: April 6, 1826

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 18, 1898

Biography

Gustave Moreau was a French Symbolist painter born on April 6, 1826, in Paris, France. He is renowned for his mystical and enigmatic works that often draw on mythological, biblical, and literary subjects. Moreau’s art is characterized by its rich detail, intricate composition, and the use of vibrant colors, which often create a dream-like atmosphere. Moreau studied under François-Édouard Picot and Jean-Léon Gérôme at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His early works were influenced by Renaissance art, specifically the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, as well as by the Romanticism of Eugène Delacroix. Throughout his career, Moreau developed a unique style that bridged Romanticism and Symbolism, significantly influencing the Symbolist movement and future artists, including Henri Matisse, who was one of his students. Moreau’s most famous works include “Oedipus and the Sphinx,” “Salome,” and “Jupiter and Semele.” He aimed to evoke inner visions and spiritual experiences through his art, often leaving the interpretation of his works open to the viewer’s imagination. In 1895, he became a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he inspired a new generation of artists. Gustave Moreau died on April 18, 1898, in Paris. After his death, his home and studio were converted into the Musée Gustave Moreau, which houses a vast collection of his works and personal artifacts.

5 Interesting Facts about Gustave Moreau

1. Gustave Moreau created over 8,000 works, including paintings, watercolors, and drawings, many of which are housed in the Musée Gustave Moreau in Paris.

2. He was deeply influenced by Italian Renaissance art, as seen during his travels to Italy in the mid-19th century.

3. Moreau’s mother, Pauline Desmoutier, was a significant influence on his life and career, providing emotional and financial support.

4. He was known for his reclusive lifestyle, dedicating most of his time to his art and rarely engaging in the social aspects of the Parisian art world.

5. Moreau was elected to the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1888, recognizing his contributions to French art.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gustave Moreau

1. “I believe neither in what I touch nor in what I see. I only believe in what I do not see and solely in what I feel.”

2. “My aim is to achieve the symphonic and the dramatic through the use of color.”

3. “The painter should aim at creating something which will be a living thing and not just an imitation of life.”

4. “Mystery is the essential element in every work of art.”

5. “Art must take reality by surprise.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gustave Moreau’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his works have garnered significant value posthumously. Some of his paintings have been sold for millions of dollars at auction.