Saint Cecilia

Gustave Moreau French

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.

Saint Cecilia, Gustave Moreau (French, Paris 1826–1898 Paris), Gouache and watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to wood panel

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Saint Cecilia, Gustave Moreau (French, Paris 1826–1898 Paris), Gouache and watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to wood panel
Saint Cecilia, Gustave Moreau (French, Paris 1826–1898 Paris), Gouache and watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to wood panel
Saint Cecilia, Gustave Moreau (French, Paris 1826–1898 Paris), Gouache and watercolor over graphite on wove paper mounted to wood panel

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