Death of Sapho

Death of Sapho, a painting by Gustave Moreau, dates from 1800-1900. It is housed in the Musée Gustave-Moreau. The painting measures 1.35 meters in width and 1.77 meters in height.

The artwork depicts a dramatic scene seemingly set at night or twilight by a body of water. A large, pale moon hangs in the sky. Dark, craggy cliffs or rocks dominate the background. In the foreground, a figure, possibly Sapho, lies on what appears to be a rocky outcropping or shore. A winged figure, possibly an angel or a symbolic representation of death, is positioned above or near the reclining figure. The overall palette is dark and somber, using browns, grays, and muted blues and whites. The style is characteristic of Moreau's Symbolist approach, with a focus on evocative imagery and emotional atmosphere rather than strict realism.