The artwork, titled “Study of a Puff Adder,” is a watercolor painting by the artist Gustave Moreau. Classified under the Symbolism art movement, this piece serves as a sketch and study. It is presently housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
The artwork portrays an intricately detailed puff adder, replete with realistic colors and patterns. The snake is depicted in a poised and coiled position, emphasizing its anatomical features with great accuracy. The artist employs a combination of muted and vivid colors to highlight different parts of the adder, from its spots and scales to the texture of its skin. Handwritten annotations accompany the artwork, suggesting a scientific exploration or study of the serpent. The positioning and curvature of the puff adder’s body exhibit fluidity, capturing the essence of its natural motion and form, while the sketch lines convey an aura of meticulous observation.
