The Sphinx

Gustave Moreau's The Sphinx (1864) is a captivating mythological painting that was first shown at the French Salon of 1864, where it quickly gained recognition. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork offers a fresh interpretation of the classic encounter between Oedipus and the Sphinx outside Thebes, as depicted in Sophocles's Oedipus Rex. The piece exemplifies Moreau's connection to Symbolism, emphasizing mystical and emotional qualities through rich details and allegorical symbolism, making it a significant example of mythological painting of its era. Today, it resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.