What do we know about 19th century artists? Big names are heard by everyone, but there are those who have remained unknown to the world. Each of them made a contribution to art with his canvases. The artist Gustave Moreau was one of those who became one of the great painters, he rightfully takes his place there.
Youth
The French Symbolist was born in Paris in the 19th century. He immediately understood who he wanted to be, and therefore he studied at the school of fine arts for a long time. Already from youth, the orientation in his works was manifested: biblical. He created paintings on mysterious topics, so his work is still fascinating and carries something secret and mystical.
After school, Gustave Moreau decides to enter the academy. Thanks to his father, he got the opportunity to stay in the Louvre when he needs to, and work there, inspired by the masterpieces of world geniuses. In 1848, Moreau participated in the Grand Prix competition. Both attempts were unsuccessful, and the painter left the academy.
To be inspired, the great artists of the 19th century loved to travel in search of the muse. Moreau went to Italy twice. At this time, he was able to get to all the most beautiful corners of this country: Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples. In addition to the extraordinary architecture of the time, here he studied the Renaissance and famous authors of that time.
Work with the state
In addition to the fact that Gustave Moreau, whose paintings were already successful, worked on his masterpieces, he fulfilled the order of the state. His task was to create a huge copy of the canvas Carracci. Everyone liked the creation, and he made another order for a copy of the painting, but Moreau refused, saying that he wanted his works to be bought, not copies of his colleagues. After such a statement, Gustave was ordered to create his own canvas.
A new stage of creativity
A new stage began with the purchase of housing. The father loved his son very much, so in 1852 he acquired a chic house. From the windows you could see the station of Saint-Lazare, nearby the river Seine. Moreau immediately decided on one of the floors to create a personal creative place and get to work. A chic mansion helped him and inspired. Gustave lived in excellent conditions, fulfilling the orders of the state. He gradually became a member of the circles of famous artists.
During this period, he learned about the pregnancy of his girlfriend, who lived in Rome. The painter decided to leave the unfortunate. His mother agreed with this decision, she believed that both the wedding and the small child would destroy the career of the future great painter. This trip to Italy dragged on for several years. Gustave's parents also came here, deciding to accompany the artist on his trips. In Italy, he was inspired by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Crivelli and other great artists. Therefore, he brought home sketches and finished paintings, impregnated with Italian flavor.
Sudden love and dizzying success
After returning to the capital of France, Moreau begins to work in his mansion, sometimes visiting friends. One such evening, he spoke with governess Alexandrin Duro. Sudden light love grows into an incredible passion, but lovers hide their feelings.
The death of his father in 1862 touched the artist, and in his grief he decided to devote himself to art and education. The creations of Moreau are in demand, and it is becoming popular both in Paris and far beyond. In the late 60s, Gustave became the head of the jury of the same Grand Prix, in which he was twice defeated in his youth. In the mid-70s, the painter received the highest award of France - the Order of the Legion of Honor.
Sunset creativity
In 1884, Gustave lost his mother. This tragic event did not allow him to calmly create, and for six months he could not work fruitfully. Age also made itself known. Gustave increasingly leaves Paris, travels to other countries, accompanied by his beloved Alexandrin. Already in 1888 he became a member of the Academy of Fine Arts, and after 3 years he became professor at the Paris School of Art.
In the early 1890s, Alexandrin dies, after five years, Gustave ends his gigantic work “Jupiter and Semele” and decides to organize a museum in his house. The artist died in 1898, was buried in the cemetery of Montmartre, somewhere nearby his beloved Alexandrine Duro.
Museum
Before his death, Gustave Moreau, whose biography is rich and vibrant, left the city his legacy of his works and property. The painter managed to keep a collection of his paintings and sketches, and also collected the works of great artists, sculptors, rare furniture and other items of the 19th century.
The Gustave Moreau House Museum has now become an unusually popular destination in Paris. Although the painter was not able to translate his ideas into reality, the Paris City Hall took care of his legacy. The city created an unusual house-museum, which now houses the most complete collection of paintings by the French artist.
This "painter's paradise" took up two floors. On the first - all the walls are hung with works by Moreau. To help future art lovers, Gustave made descriptions of paintings, and in the museum these notes were also translated into English. In addition, among the finished works on easels are exhibited those that the artist left unfinished.
The second floor is filled with a collection of paintings by other artists, as well as sculptures, antique furniture - everything that Gustave Moreau could independently assemble. Currently, admission to the house-museum costs 6 euros for adults, and children under 18 years old admission is free.
Paintings
Among the paintings that the painter left behind, there are known to everyone. One of them is Jupiter and Semele, written two years before the artist’s death. The canvas depicts allegorical figures that carry a certain meaning: Death, Suffering, Night, etc.
The whole space is filled with unusual plants, fantastic architectural solutions and sculptural sculptures. It is also very important that the artist comments on all this abundance of images and fantasies, since it is difficult for the viewer to independently determine all the characters. The very same legend of Semele on the canvas acquires a certain mysticism and mystery.
By analyzing the art of Gustave, it becomes clear his desire for "the necessary splendor." The painter argued that we should pay attention to the masters of the past, who will not teach us poor art. Artists of the past tried to display on their canvases only the richest, rarest and most magnificent that was in their time. The outfits that they depicted in their works, jewelry, objects - Moreau took over all this.
Another popular painting by Gustave is considered “The Appearance”, which he created in 1876. Like many others, it contains a religious plot, in this case - the gospel. On the canvas we are talking about Salome, who dances in front of Herod, behind the head of John the Baptist. At this time, in front of Salome is the head of John, creating a magnificent dazzling radiance.