The Muses Leaving their Father Apollo to Go Out and Light the World 1868

"The Muses Leaving their Father Apollo to Go Out and Light the World," painted in 1868 by Gustave Moreau, depicts the nine Muses of Greek mythology, daughters of Apollo, leaving their father to inspire humanity. The painting, now housed at the Musée National Gustave Moreau in Paris, is a fine example of the Symbolist movement, with its hazy, dreamlike atmosphere and use of classical mythology. The composition is complex, with figures arranged in a seemingly random yet meticulously planned manner. The overall effect is one of both beauty and mystery, reflecting Moreau's fascination with the power of imagination and the allure of the unknown.