La Licorne 

Curator: Gustave Moreau's oil painting presents a striking vision, and we know it as "La Licorne". Editor: It's arresting, the stark contrast between the pale figures and the dark, brooding landscape really draws me in. There’s a tangible sense of the texture of the oil paint as well. Curator: Indeed, Moreau seems preoccupied with tactile details here. Consider the rich textures of the cloak, heavy with what appears to be velvet, edged with gold. It speaks to a high level of craft and expenditure, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: Absolutely, it screams luxury, but let’s not overlook the obvious symbolism here. The nude woman with a crown alongside the unicorn traditionally represents purity and grace, of course, but this one also carries some form of power. The woman's red attire might point to themes of royalty, passion, or perhaps even sacrifice, depending on the lens. Curator: Right, it begs the question, where and how were such fabrics produced? Dyes, too, were carefully sourced. We cannot neglect to consider who would have accessed such rarefied goods and the economic and social structures behind this access. Editor: While considering all that, I’d point to the unicorn's horn; it is traditionally connected with healing properties. Given the state of 19th-century medicine, it adds an element of yearning for impossible cures. Perhaps for social ills as well as diseases. Curator: It's easy to be drawn in to that rich world of the painting itself but I always wonder about Moreau's access to materials, brushes, his workshop. All these influenced what he made and they reveal how this artwork came into being. Editor: I concede, the artist's craft, as well as the culture he drew inspiration from, coalesce beautifully here, leaving us pondering about innocence, strength, and yearning, even now. Curator: Seeing this now just strengthens the way I see these pieces in museums. What objects did people wear, own and consume? Those shed light on past social practices and even on power dynamics in 19th-century France. Editor: Moreau’s image becomes an ongoing symbol, inviting further speculation about morality and hidden hopes, wouldn't you agree?