Gustave Moreau was a French artist born in Paris, a key figure in the Symbolist movement. He emerged as an influential forerunner of symbolism in the visual arts during the 1860s, and by the 1890s he was among the most significant painters of the movement. His prolific output includes over 15,000 paintings, watercolors, and drawings.

Moreau's work focuses on allegories and traditional biblical and mythological subjects, often depicting female characters from the Bible and mythology that became archetypical symbolist figures. His painting Jupiter and Semele is noted for bringing symbolist polyvalence to its highest point, while works like Orphée (1865) exemplify his mature style with diagonal composition and golden chiaroscuro.

Recent recognition includes the Musée d'Orsay's acquisition of a major collection of his works and letters in 2026, and the permanent display of his painting Orphée (1865) in the museum's collection. His art, which fell from favor in the early 20th century, has been reassessed since the 1960s and 1970s as paramount among symbolist painters.