Dejanira (Autumn)

Gustave Moreau's mythological and biblical subjects — painted with jewel-encrusted, Byzantine opulence — represent the most extreme development of French Symbolism. This 1872 work deploys his characteristic technique of rich, layered pigment applied over burnished grounds to create surfaces of almost hallucinatory material richness. Rejected by Realists and Impressionists alike as decadent, his visionary art was championed by Huysmans and proved foundational for Symbolism, Surrealism, and the young Matisse, who studied in his studio.

Moreau built sumptuous, encrusted surfaces through multiple paint layers combined with semi-precious pigments and gold — creating Byzantine opulence. His palette is jewel-like: deep crimsons, phosphorescent blues, and acid yellows against velvety darkness..