Apollo and The Nine Muses

Gustave Moreau completed this Apollo and the Nine Muses in 1856, an early work showing the sun god surrounded by his companions who presided over the arts and sciences. Apollo wears a wreath marking his divine status while the muses gather around him in classical drapery.

Moreau would later paint a larger version of this theme in 1868, titled "The Muses Leaving their Father Apollo to Go Out and Light the World." That painting uses gold and ochre tones for Apollo against cooler blues for the departing muses. Both works reflect his fascination with Greek mythology and Symbolism.

The 1856 version measures 83 by 103 centimeters and remains in a private collection. Moreau devoted his career to mythological and religious subjects, eventually becoming a professor at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts where he taught Matisse and Rouault. His Paris studio is now a museum housing his life's work.