
Gustave MoreauFrance, 1826–1898Peut-on la contempler ?
Londres, Royaume-Uni
Elle appartient à la collection, mais n’est pas présentée en ce moment.
This watercolour is part one of three scenes surrounding the suicide of Greek poetess, Sappho, a subject that Moreau frequently represented. It shows the Ancient poetess Sappho on the top of a cliff lamenting over the desertion of her lover, Phaon. The lyre, slung over her shoulder, is the traditionnal attribute of poets. As a precurser to Symbolism, Moreau sought inspiration from mythological, literary, and biblical references.
Victoria and Albert Museum
1859–1888 · Lieu de travail
Paris
1869
The Salon of 1869: “Prometheus” and severe criticism
“Prometheus” received a medal at the Salon of 1869, but criticism in the press was severe, and Moreau did not submit paintings to the Salon again until 1876.
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.