Saint George, after Vittore Carpaccio

Gustave Moreau made this watercolor in 1858 while studying in Venice, copying Vittore Carpaccio's Renaissance work. The young painter was enchanted by Carpaccio's narrative cycles in the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, producing numerous copies to absorb the Italian master's techniques.

This study shows Moreau before he developed his distinctive Symbolist style. He traveled Italy from 1857 to 1859, visiting Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples. The copy now hangs at the Musée Gustave Moreau in Paris, his former home and studio.