“Arabian Poet (Persian),” executed in watercolor by Gustave Moreau in 1886, is a genre painting rooted in the Symbolist art movement. This artwork, distinguished for its rich ornamentation and profound allegorical content, currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a majestic scene featuring a poet riding on a horse through a dreamlike landscape, accompanied by a divine or ethereal figure with vibrant red wings. The poet, adorned in elaborate garments, faces a golden-haired muse or angel holding a sprig, adding an element of mysticism. The background, suffused with warm, glowing hues, suggests a setting sun, which bathes the surrounding flora and serene landscape in a surreal and enchanting light, consistent with Moreau’s Symbolist style. The intricate details and rich coloration exemplify Moreau’s ability to meld mythological themes with his distinct artistic vision.
