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Saint Cecilia

ca. 1890–95
Not on view
Moreau was not a practicing Christian, but his deep belief in the spiritual value of art drew him to Catholic martyrs such as Saint Cecilia. Here, he shows the patron saint of music playing an elaborate lyre, a classical symbol of creativity, as she gazes heavenward, suggesting both the divine inspiration of her song and its devotion to God. This work displays the great variety of textures and effects Moreau was able to achieve with watercolor, a medium he explored consistently during the last three decades of his career.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint Cecilia
  • Artist: Gustave Moreau (French, Paris 1826–1898 Paris)
  • Date: ca. 1890–95
  • Medium: Gouache and watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to wood panel
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 13 5/16 x 6 3/8 in. (33.8 x 16.2 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2004
  • Object Number: 2004.475.3
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

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Sphinx in a Grotto (Poet, King and Warrior), Gustave Moreau French, Watercolor and gouache on paper, varnished
Sphinx in a Grotto (Poet, King and Warrior)
Gustave Moreau
1887–1888
Salomé Dancing Before the Head of St. John the Baptist, Gustave Moreau French, Graphite, watercolor and gouache on cream wove paper
Salomé Dancing Before the Head of St. John the Baptist
Gustave Moreau
mid to late 19th century
Salome with the Head of John the Baptist, Gustave Moreau French, Oil on wood
Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
Gustave Moreau
ca. 1876
Oedipus and the Sphinx, Gustave Moreau French, Oil on canvas
Oedipus and the Sphinx
Gustave Moreau
1864
The Lake of Zug, Joseph Mallord William Turner British, Watercolor and bodycolor (gouache) with reductive techniques over graphite
The Lake of Zug
Joseph Mallord William Turner
1843

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