Gustave Moreau’s “The Wicked Rich and the Poor Lazarus,” created circa 1875-1878, is an evocative watercolor masterpiece housed in the Musée National Gustave Moreau in Paris, France. This artwork, crafted in the Symbolism movement, embodies religious themes and portrays a narrative filled with profound moral and spiritual implications.
In the artwork, Moreau depicts the biblical parable of the rich man and the poor beggar, Lazarus. The scene is set within an architectural framework, exemplifying classical elements such as grand pillars and a sense of structural opulence. The beggar, Lazarus, is depicted in a desolate and pitiable state, lying on the ground with a staff, accompanied by dogs. His figure contrasts starkly with the rich man, who appears aloof and indifferent, epitomizing the callousness and indulgence associated with wealth. The austere textures and subdued coloration evoke a somber mood, amplifying the moralistic and didactic tone of the religious narrative. Through the delicate application of watercolor, Moreau deftly balances light and shadow, infusing the scene with a mystical quality that is characteristic of the Symbolist movement.
