Self-portrait 1850

"Self-Portrait" (1850) by Gustave Moreau is a striking example of the artist's early style, characterized by its intense introspection and dramatic use of light and shadow. Moreau's gaze is direct and penetrating, his face illuminated in a warm yellow hue, while the background recedes into a deep, enigmatic darkness. The subtle brushstrokes and textured paint create a sense of depth and emotion, capturing the artist's inner world with raw honesty. This intimate self-portrait, currently housed in the Musée National Gustave Moreau in Paris, France, offers a glimpse into the mind of a master of symbolism and fantasy.