Back to gallery
Narcissus

Art Appreciation

This evocative painting captures a moment of introspective beauty and tragic myth. The central figure, a young man adorned with a vibrant floral crown and a delicate rainbow-hued sash, leans gracefully against an ancient, overgrown ruin. His youthful, almost ethereal form is rendered with delicate brushwork that highlights the softness of his skin and the tension in his pose. The backdrop merges nature and classical architecture, with lush greenery entwining stone columns and archways, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The palette is muted yet rich, dominated by earthy greens, browns, and soft blues, with touches of bright red and orange that draw the eye to the figure's expressive face and floral accents.

The composition masterfully balances the human figure with the surrounding environment, evoking the myth of Narcissus who is famously entranced by his own reflection. The artist’s use of light and shadow adds depth and a sense of melancholy, as if the figure is caught between reality and illusion. The emotional impact is profound — one senses both beauty and sorrow, an intimate moment frozen in time. Historically, this work reflects the Symbolist movement’s fascination with myth, dreams, and the inner world, making it not only a visual feast but a contemplative narrative on identity and self-love.

Narcissus

Gustave Moreau

Category:

Created:

Date unknown

Likes:

0

Dimensions:

2672 × 4734 px

Download:

Related artworks

Studies for the decoration of the Library
Study for the Frieze of Agriculture
St. George and the Dragon
Hercules Slaying the Centaur Nessus
The Head and Tail of the Snake
Orlando Kills the Orc with an Anchor
Apelles Painting Campaspe in the Presence of Alexander the Great
Tristan and Isolde with the Potion
Sapho (Young Woman with Vase)