Gustave MoreauFrance, 1826–1898Dejanira (Autumn)
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Où est « Dejanira (Autumn) » aujourd’hui ? J. Paul Getty Museum, Museum West Pavilion, Gallery W203, Los Angeles. Oui, exposée actuellement. Vérifié 5 octobre 2026.
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À propos du tableau
The centaur Nessus offered to carry Dejanira, the wife of Hercules, across the river Evenus and then abducted her. Having already crossed the river, Hercules hid in the rocky crags beyond, readying a poisoned arrow to let loose on Nessus. Gustave Moreau contrasted the centaur's dark skin and muscular strength with Dejanira's pale flesh and graceful, lithe figure. The two figures resemble dancers performing a ballet rather than opponents struggling for sexual conquest. With its jagged mountains, the hazy, mysterious landscape provides an eerie background. Moreau was not interested in presenting detailed information about the setting or its elements; he chose instead to disintegrate forms, allowing them to give way to areas of color that suggest shapes.
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The artist intended for *Dejanira* to belong to a set of pictures representing the changing seasons; the painting's autumnal palette of reds, oranges, browns, dark greens, and creamy whites conveys its other title, *Autumn*. Moreau described what he had in mind to the painting's first owner: *I have tried to render the harmony that may exist between the world of nature at a certain time of year and certain phases of human life. The centaur seeks to embrace this white and graceful form, which is about to escape him. It is a last gleam, a last smile of nature and life. Winter threatens. Night is coming on. It is autumn.*
J. Paul Getty Museum
Notice
- Numéro d’inventaire
- 84.PB.682
Au catalogue
Sources
- J. Paul Getty Museum
- Image : J. Paul Getty Museum — Open Content
Dans la vie de Gustave Moreau
La vie entière1859–1888 · Lieu de travail
Paris
1870–1875
Years without exhibiting: renewing his art
Disturbed by criticism that his work had become formulaic, Moreau stopped exhibiting for a few years and concentrated on renewing his art.
18 septembre 1875 · Distinction
Knight of the Legion of Honour
