A jewel of the 9th district, the hotel parisien of the French Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau [1826 -1898] is located at 14 rue de la Rochefoucauld, hidden away in the Nouvelle Athènes neighbourhood. One could often walk by without noticing this extraordinary museum since the heavy doors appear to be always closed. Once in the vestibule you are invited to start the visit on the second floor. After climbing the last steps of the staircase, the visitor sees that the ceiling is higher--much, much higher--than expected.
The second story is actually the painter's old workshop, built in 1895. There are broad windows and a high ceiling framing the room. The third story, connected by a remarkable spiraling staircase, constitutes the second workshop of the artist. In spite of the height of the ceiling and the powerful luminosity of the place, one still feels enclosed since the walls are completely covered with oversized paintings of more than two hundred biblical and mythological characters.
Each time I visit I find myself spending a lot of time sitting on one of the stools slowly studying some of the 4,831 drawings and 250 watercolours that are available for visitors in beautiful wood display units. What an exception in museology the Gustave Moreau museum is! In one place it is possible to retrace the entire genesis of a painting and start to understand the creative process.
Each time I visit I find myself spending a lot of time sitting on one of the stools slowly studying some of the 4,831 drawings and 250 watercolours that are available for visitors in beautiful wood display units. What an exception in museology the Gustave Moreau museum is! In one place it is possible to retrace the entire genesis of a painting and start to understand the creative process.
In the midst of the Impressionist period, Moreau chose an original and personal style often called "romantique tardif”. He is, in fact, recognized as a precursor of Symbolism, since his works are so rich in allegories and myths. The colours are often jewel tones and the composition intriguing to the point of fascination. Gustave Moreau followed Mallarmé's advice, “Peindre non la chose, mais l’effet qu’elle produit.” ("Don't paint the object, but the effect it has on you.")
Moreau’s paintings retain much of their fascination even if their meaning is not totally transparent. They have an unique vitality and the power to affect the viewer in an unique manner. I find that his art appeals as much to the intellect as to the intuition.
Don’t forget to also visit the main floor which connects to an intimate museum recreating the daily life of the painter and his parents.
Moreau's bedroom and study.
3 comments:
I've never visited this museum, but not it will have to be added to my "Choses A Faire" list!
Very interesting post. Yes, I too will have to put this on my "choses a faire" list! Thank youso for the excellent report on a little known museum! (little known at least as to moi!)
I kick myself for getting to go there last year. I went to sop many museums that i forgot this one which was high on my mental list.
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