The artwork, titled “Perseus and Andromeda,” is a watercolor painting by Gustave Moreau, dated circa 1867 to 1869. It is a quintessential example of the Symbolism art movement and falls within the genre of mythological painting. Currently, this piece is part of a private collection.
The rich and dramatic scene depicted in the artwork illustrates the myth of Perseus and Andromeda. The scene is teeming with vibrant colors and intricate details. Andromeda, the central figure, is portrayed bound to a rocky outcrop by the ocean, her delicate form juxtaposed against the harshness of her bindings and surroundings. Perseus, depicted as her savior, is shown in the act of rescuing her, with the mighty winged horse, Pegasus, in attendance. Lying at the bottom of the scene is the monstrous sea creature, a testament to the peril Andromeda faces. Additionally, the head of Medusa is seen on the left, a key element in subduing the sea monster. Moreau’s use of watercolor lends a dreamlike, ethereal quality to the entire composition, simultaneously capturing the mythical essence and the heightened emotional intensity of the narrative.
