Jump to navigation

V&A logo

A SELECTION FROM THE COLLECTION OF WATERCOLOURS & DRAWINGS

Sappho Gustave Moreau (1826-1897) about 1884 France Watercolour on paper 18.4 x 12.4 cm Museum number. P.11-1934 Given by John Gray in memory of André Raffalovich, 1934 Moreau was a French Symbolist painter. This work, inspired by an opera by Charles-François Gounod, depicts the poetess Sappho. She committed suicide after being abandoned by her lover. It belonged to John Gray, a poet and reputedly the inspiration for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Sappho, Gustave Moreau

Sappho
Gustave Moreau (1826-1897)
about 1884
France
Watercolour on paper
18.4 x 12.4 cm
Museum number. P.11-1934

Given by John Gray in memory of André Raffalovich, 1934
Moreau was a French Symbolist painter. This work, inspired by an opera by Charles-François Gounod, depicts the poetess Sappho. She committed suicide after being abandoned by her lover. It belonged to John Gray, a poet and reputedly the inspiration for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.