“Woman and Panther (Salome and the Panther)”, created by Gustave Moreau circa 1880, is a notable watercolor painting housed at the Musée National Gustave Moreau in Paris, France. Rooted in the Symbolism art movement, this religious painting exemplifies Moreau’s intricate style and his fascination with mythological and biblical themes.
The artwork portrays a regal woman—likely Salome given the title—draped in rich, flowing garments that blend magnificently with the colorful, dreamlike background. Her attire, accentuated by golden, regal hues, lends a mystical and opulent aura to the scene. A panther accompanies her, painted with dark, shadowy strokes that contrast against her luminous figure. The setting is vividly abstract, with lush textures and colors intertwining to create an ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The entirety of the composition conveys a sense of enigmatic beauty, mystery, and otherworldliness, characteristic of Moreau’s symbolic and allegorical approach.
