Gustave Moreau

He worked on 'The Suitors' from 1852 until his death, even adding strips of canvas to enlarge it. It remained unfinished, reflecting his lifelong dedication to the work.¹

He developed a close mentorship with Théodore Chassériau. Chassériau's premature death in 1856 deeply affected Moreau, serving as a turning point that led to his travels in Italy.¹

He traveled in Italy from 1857 to 1859, returning with hundreds of copies of old master paintings. This experience formed his artistic foundation and unique style.¹

His painting 'Oedipus and the Sphinx' received great attention at the 1864 Paris Salon, winning a medal and establishing his reputation and a loyal group of admirers.¹

Severe criticism of 'Prometheus' in 1869 led him to eventually withdraw from the Salon. In later years, he became increasingly reclusive and was often reluctant to sell his work.¹

A key figure in Symbolism, Jean Cassou called him 'the Symbolist painter par excellence.' He was among the most significant painters at the height of the movement in the 1890s.¹

He excelled as a teacher at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts starting in 1891, counting Henri Matisse and Georges Rouault among his notable pupils.¹

He bequeathed his townhouse and studio to the State, which opened as the Musée Gustave Moreau in 1903, housing over 12,000 of his works.¹