The story of the artist and his muse crops up time and again in the creation of art. French Symbolist painter
Gustave Moreau is no exception, who limited himself to not one, but many muses in the form of beautiful and legendary women.
NGV's latest exhibition
"Gustave Moreau and the Eternal Feminine" focuses on Moreau's obsession with femme fatales throughout all ages of history and myth. Featuring more than 100 drawings, watercolours and paintings from the
Musée Gustave Moreau in Paris, the exhibition highlights Moreau's intensely rich and distinctive style and his preference for painting great tales from religion, literature and myth. The exhibition includes Moureau's depictions of infamous women such as Cleopatra, Helen of Troy and Lady MacBeth.
A section is also dedicated to Moreau's fascination with the story of
Salomé and John the Baptist, who is beheaded as a result of Salomé's anger and vengeance. The resulting paintings are rich with gothic imagery, and are among some of his most famous works. His striking painting 'The Apparition' bought him acclaim and recognition as a painter during his own time.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for concession, with special family discounts available. The exhibition will run until the 10th April 2011 and is a rare opportunity to see the work of Moreau up-close and in dazzling detail.
