Gustave Moreau, French painter and academic (d. 1898)

Gustave Moreau, a towering figure in late 19th-century French art, was born in Paris on April 6, 1826, and lived until April 18, 1898. Renowned as a pivotal artist within the Symbolist movement, he significantly shaped its aesthetic and philosophical underpinnings. Indeed, the art critic Jean Cassou famously hailed him as "the Symbolist painter par excellence," capturing the essence of Moreau's profound influence. His artistic journey saw him emerge as an influential forerunner of Symbolism in the visual arts as early as the 1860s, solidifying his status as one of the movement's most significant painters by its zenith in the 1890s. Art historian Robert Delevoy further underscored Moreau’s genius, noting that he "brought symbolist polyvalence to its highest point in Jupiter and Semele," a testament to the complex layers of meaning and narrative in his work. Moreau was an extraordinarily prolific artist, leaving behind a vast oeuvre of more than 15,000 pieces, encompassing paintings, watercolors, and drawings. His favored subjects were rich in allegory, drawing from traditional biblical and mythological narratives—themes long cherished by the esteemed fine art academies of his time. It was precisely this unique approach to familiar stories that captivated critics like J. K. Huysmans, who observed that "Gustave Moreau has given new freshness to dreary old subjects by a talent both subtle and ample: he has taken myths worn out by the repetitions of centuries and expressed them in a language that is persuasive and lofty, mysterious and new." The female characters, so frequently central to his biblical and mythological depictions, came to embody the archetypical Symbolist woman for many, characterized by their enigmatic beauty and profound inner world. While his art, and Symbolism in general, experienced a decline in popularity and received scant attention in the early 20th century, a significant re-evaluation began in the 1960s and 70s, firmly re-establishing him among the most paramount Symbolist painters.

Early Life and Artistic Formation

Born into a cultured Parisian family, Gustave Moreau displayed an innate aptitude for drawing from a very young age. His early education at Collège Rollin (now Collège-lycée Jacques-Decour) provided him with a solid academic foundation, which was soon followed by rigorous traditional training in painting at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts. It was in the early 1850s that Moreau forged a crucial friendship and mentorship with the celebrated Romantic painter Théodore Chassériau. This period also saw Moreau achieve some modest success exhibiting his works at the annual Paris Salon, the primary official art exhibition in France. However, Chassériau's premature death in 1856 profoundly affected Moreau, prompting him to leave Paris and embark on an extensive journey through Italy from 1857 to 1859. This transformative sojourn allowed him to immerse himself in the masterpieces of antiquity and the Renaissance, returning with hundreds of meticulously crafted copies and studies of Old Master paintings. His dedication bore fruit in 1864 when his painting Oedipus and the Sphinx captivated audiences at the Paris Salon, earning him a medal and firmly establishing his burgeoning reputation. He continued to enjoy considerable success throughout the 1860s, gradually cultivating a devoted circle of enthusiastic admirers and collectors who championed his distinctive vision. Despite receiving another medal at the Salon of 1869 for his painting Prometheus, the accompanying press criticisms were notably severe. This experience led Moreau to withdraw his paintings from the Salon entirely until 1876, and he permanently ceased submitting works after 1880, preferring to cultivate his art away from the public gaze and critical scrutiny of the official art establishment.

Later Years, Teaching, and Enduring Legacy

Gustave Moreau's contributions to French art were formally recognized in 1883 when he was decorated as an Officier de la Légion d'Honneur, a prestigious national honor. Despite this public accolade, he became increasingly reclusive in his later years, described by some as somewhat misanthropic, though he always maintained a close circle of trusted friends. Moreau held a unique relationship with his art; he was often reluctant to sell his works, seldom exhibited them, and famously turned down several prestigious opportunities throughout his career. These included an invitation to exhibit at the avant-garde Salon Les XX in Brussels in 1887, a refusal of a professorship after being elected to the École des Beaux-Arts in 1888, and even offers to decorate significant buildings at the Sorbonne in 1891. It was only after the passing of his dear friend Élie Delaunay in 1891 that Moreau finally agreed to take over Delaunay's studio at the École des Beaux-Arts, stepping into a teaching role he would excel in. As an instructor, he proved to be remarkably influential, counting among his pupils future luminaries such as Henri Matisse, Georges Rouault, and other notable artists, shaping a new generation's approach to painting. Moreau's personal life was intertwined with his art in a unique way: his parents purchased a townhouse at 14 Rue de La Rochefoucauld in 1852, converting the top floor into a studio for him. He lived and worked there as a bachelor for the remainder of his life, his father having passed in 1862 and his mother, Adèle-Pauline, in 1884. Gustave Moreau succumbed to cancer in 1898. In a profound gesture of generosity and foresight, he bequeathed his beloved townhome and studio, along with nearly 1,200 paintings and watercolors and over 10,000 drawings, to the French State. His explicit wish was for it to be transformed into a museum dedicated to his work. The Musée Gustave Moreau opened its doors to the public in 1903 and remains open today, serving as by far the largest and most significant collection of his oeuvre, a living testament to his extraordinary artistic vision and legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gustave Moreau

Who was Gustave Moreau?
Gustave Moreau (1826–1898) was a highly influential French Symbolist painter, known for his richly allegorical and imaginative works inspired by biblical and mythological themes. He is considered one of the most important figures in the Symbolist movement.
What is Symbolism in art?
Symbolism was an artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for art that evoked emotions and ideas through symbols rather than direct representation. Symbolist artists, like Moreau, often explored themes of mysticism, the subconscious, dreams, and personal interpretations of myths and legends, moving away from naturalism and realism.
What are some of Gustave Moreau's most famous works?
Among his most renowned paintings are Oedipus and the Sphinx (1864) and Jupiter and Semele (1895). These works exemplify his intricate detail, vibrant colors, and profound narrative depth.
Why did Moreau's art fall out of favor initially?
After the peak of Symbolism, artistic tastes shifted towards modern movements like Fauvism, Cubism, and Abstract Art in the early 20th century, which prioritized different aesthetic principles and broke from traditional narrative and allegorical approaches. This led to a temporary decline in the appreciation for Symbolist art, including Moreau's, until a revival of interest in the latter half of the century.
Who were some of Gustave Moreau's notable students?
Despite his reclusive nature, Moreau was an exceptional and influential teacher at the École des Beaux-Arts. His most famous students include Henri Matisse, a pioneer of Fauvism, and Georges Rouault, known for his expressionist works.
Where can one see Gustave Moreau's art today?
The most extensive and significant collection of Gustave Moreau's work is housed in the Musée Gustave Moreau in Paris, France. This unique museum is his former home and studio, preserved according to his own wishes, offering an intimate glimpse into his artistic world.