Saint Cecilia
Gustave Moreau
ca. 1890–95 · Gouache and watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to wood panel · Drawings and Prints
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.
- Artist
- Gustave Moreau
- Date
- ca. 1890–95
- Medium
- Gouache and watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to wood panel
- Department
- Drawings and Prints
- Credit line
- Gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2004
