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Galatea, 1896. Creator: Gustave Moreau
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Galatea, 1896. Creator: Gustave Moreau
Galatea, 1896. From the myth of Polyphemus and Galathea. The scene recreates the theme of beauty and the beast, a symbol of woman as the embodiment of a beauty that is beyond man's reach
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Media ID 38690543
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Beautiful Beauty Cyclops Exotic Galatea Giant Grotto Gustave Moreau Longing Lying Lying Down Melancholic Melancholy Moreau Moreau Gustave Museo Nacional Thyssen Bornemisza Museo Thyssen Bornemisza Mythical Beasts Mythical Creatures Mythical Figure Mythological Creature Mythological Figure Pan Pipes Polyphemus Reclining Recumbent Skin Story Symbolist Thyssen Bornemisza Collection Thyssen Bornemisza Museum Beauty And The Beast Gouache Greek Mythology Mythical Beast Mythical Creature Symbolism
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In this exquisite print of Galatea (1896), French Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau masterfully captures the essence of beauty and longing. Inspired by Greek mythology, the scene depicts Polyphemus, a cyclops, lying down in a grotto surrounded by lush foliage, his gaze fixed on Galatea as she reclines beside him. The juxtaposition of their forms - one giant and monstrous, the other petite and ethereal - serves as a poignant reminder that beauty is often elusive to those who seek it.
Moreau's use of gouache and ink tempera creates a dreamlike atmosphere, with delicate brushstrokes bringing forth the tender curves of Galatea's body. The pan pipes lying nearby add an air of melancholy, underscoring the bittersweet nature of their encounter. This print is not only a testament to Moreau's technical skill but also his deep understanding of human emotions and the timeless allure of beauty.
Originally part of Gustave Moreau's collection at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, this stunning work has been preserved for generations to admire its haunting beauty. A true masterpiece from the 19th century, Galatea (1896) continues to captivate art lovers and inspire new interpretations.
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