Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, Gustave Moreau — Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra, 1875–76

Gustave Moreau

1826–1898 · Symbolism · 7 works

Moreau turns mythological encounters into scenes of intense stillness. Dense detail and unusual color make the stories feel suspended between a physical world and an imagined one. Oedipus and Hercules face different trials, opening a path toward the dreamlike imagery later associated with Symbolism.

Walk all 7 works See Moreau in the museumSymbolism wing View in the Atlas

Life and work

1876: Exhibits Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra
Moreau shows this painting at the Paris Salon.

Sources

Art Institute of Chicago · Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra

7 works · 1852–1893

By periodEarliest first

1852–1870 · 4 works

In the museum: Symbolism room · 2 works

1871–1893 · 3 works

In the museum: Symbolism room · 1 work

Original museum reproductions, with source records on every artwork page.

Artist information: Art Institute of Chicago, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Oedipus and the Sphinx, Symbolism).

Public-domain art. An imagined museum; no museum affiliation.