The artwork “Jason,” created by Gustave Moreau in 1865, is an oil painting on canvas. It represents the Symbolism art movement and falls under the genre of mythological painting. The dimensions of the artwork are 121.5 x 204 cm, and it is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The painting depicts a mythological scene with two central figures, Jason and Medea. Jason appears youthful and heroic, standing confidently while holding a spear across his left shoulder and clad in a gold-colored drapery. Beside him, Medea stands closely, holding a golden goblet to her chest while grasping a laurel branch with her other hand. Both figures exude a serene and idealized beauty typical of Symbolist works, characterized by their elongated forms and ethereal presence. Surrounding them are intricate details and symbolic elements—such as a golden fleece, which is a key aspect of the Jason myth. The elaborate backgrounds blend natural and mythical elements, including ornate architectural columns adorned with mythological carvings, suggesting an otherworldly, dreamlike realm. Moreau’s mastery in capturing the mysterious and the divine is evident in the rich, meticulous details and the harmonious composition of the scene.
