“Saint Martin,” painted by Gustave Moreau around 1882, is a religious oil painting reflecting the Symbolism art movement. The artwork is part of a private collection.
The artwork portrays Saint Martin, a mounted figure, extending a piece of his garment to a beggar. Here, Saint Martin, depicted with a golden halo, rides a white horse adorned with red saddle trappings. His posture suggests an act of generosity, as he leans down to offer his cloak to a poorly-clad man seated on the ground. The background features a rugged and rocky terrain under a serene sky, enhancing the saint’s noble act set against an austere landscape. The painting captures the essence of religious altruism, a recurrent theme in Symbolism, through its composition and the emotive representation of the figures.
