The artwork titled “Hesiod and the Muse” was created by Gustave Moreau in 1891. It is an oil painting on wood, measuring 59 x 35 cm, and is a part of the Symbolism art movement. This mythological and literary painting is housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork portrays a mythological scene where the ancient Greek poet Hesiod is being inspired by a Muse. Hesiod stands, holding a lyre with a contemplative expression, while the Muse gently embraces him from behind, guiding his hands on the instrument. The Muse, adorned in flowing red attire, has wings that arch dramatically upward, adding a celestial quality to the composition. The background features a serene, mountainous landscape with classical architectural elements, suggesting a divine or otherworldly setting. The overall atmosphere of the painting is imbued with a sense of mysticism and reverence for poetic inspiration, characteristic of the Symbolist movement.
