I do not believe in what I touch or what I see. I only believe in what I do not see and what I feel. — A quote by Gustave Moreau
Moreau's words
"I do not believe in what I touch or what I see. I only believe in what I do not see and what I feel."
*These are Moreau's own words. This spirit breathes throughout his entire body of work.
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1. Historical Background: What is Symbolism?
・ Period: Late 19th-century France (approx. 1880s–1900s)
・ Characteristics: While Impressionism focused on the realism of light and nature, Symbolism emphasized dreams, mythology, and the inner spiritual world.
・ Social Background: As urbanization and scientific progress after the Industrial Revolution increased external stimuli, painters turned their attention to the "invisible spiritual world."
・ Influence: Linked with literature (such as Baudelaire) and philosophy, a movement emerged that prioritized spirituality and symbolism.
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2. Moreau's Philosophy and Works
・ 1826–1898, born in France
・ Pursued the symbolic depiction of the inner spiritual world rather than the reproduction of reality.
・ Expressed the concepts of "Life = Pursuit of an Ideal" and "Art = A Guidepost" through his works.
Reflection of philosophy in representative works
1. "The Apparition (L’Apparition)" – 1876
・ Content: Fantastically depicts Salome appearing before Saint John.
・ Reflection of philosophy: Symbolizes the "pursuit of an ideal" through religious and spiritual themes. It visualizes the inner world rather than reality.
2. "Jupiter and Semele (Jupiter et Sémélé)" – 1894–1895
・ Content: Depicts Semele's passion and Jupiter's divinity through a mythological story.
・ Reflection of philosophy: Symbolically expresses human desire, ideals, and spiritual conflict. The concept of life as a journey—a quest for an ideal—is manifested here.
3. "Salome Dancing before Herod" – 1876
・ Content: Depicts Salome's dance in an ornamental and fantastic manner.
・ Reflection of philosophy: Symbolizes the relationship between life and art through the fusion of sensation, spirit, and beauty. An image where art functions as a "map of life."
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3. Application to the Modern Day
1. Importance of inner expression: Even today, expressing one's inner self and ideals holds value.
2. Utilization of symbolic expression: By using symbols and allegories, deep messages can be conveyed even on social media or in design.
3. Implications for one's view of life: One can view life as a quest for an ideal and use it as a guide for creation and action.
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4. Summary
・ As a Symbolist painter, Moreau depicted the inner world and ideals through mythological and religious paintings.
・ His representative works symbolically reflect his view of life and art.
・ The concept that "life is a journey in pursuit of an ideal, and art is its map" is an interpretive expression that summarizes his philosophy.
・ Even today, one can deliver deep messages to oneself and others through inner and symbolic expression.