Gustave Moreau, symbolist painter, was born in Paris in 1826. At the age of 18 he entered Ecole des Beaux-Arts to study under Francois-Edouard Picol leaving in 1850 to begin further studies under Theodore Chasseriau. Exhibited for the first time in the Paris Salon of 1852 and later in the Salon of 1853 and 1864. He became Professor at the Paris Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1891. Among many of his students were Fauvist painters Matisse, Rouault, Flandon and Evenpoel. Made Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur in 1875 promoted to Officier in 1883. His works numbering some 8000 pieces influenced later Symbolists particularly Odilon Redon and Jean Delville.
Many of his works are on display in Paris at the Musee National Gustave Moreau.