Pittacus the Tyrant in War Costume

"Pittacus the Tyrant in War Costume" is a significant drawing created by the French Symbolist master Gustave Moreau in 1883. This masterful piece is classified as a study or finished work on paper, utilizing graphite drawing enhanced meticulously with watercolor applied to wove paper. This combination of precise line work and subtle coloration is characteristic of Moreau's detailed preparatory studies during the late 19th century, allowing him to define structure with graphite before infusing the work with evocative color. The drawing depicts Pittacus of Mytilene, a historical Greek figure counted among the Seven Sages, whose time as a ruler (6th century BCE) frequently led to his classification as a tyrannos.

The period from 1876 to 1900 saw Moreau concentrating heavily on obscure mythological and historical subjects that allowed him to explore complex themes of power, decadent beauty, and troubled authority. In this depiction, Moreau presents Pittacus clad in elaborate, highly decorated war costume, moving the figure beyond a simple historical portrait and toward a generalized Symbolist figure representing archaic, ambiguous authority. The handling of the medium emphasizes decorative detail and psychological depth over classical naturalism, perfectly fitting within the intellectual and aesthetic concerns of Symbolist art popular in French circles during this era.

This exceptional work, sometimes referred to simply as Pittacus, is part of the distinguished collection held by the National Gallery of Art. Moreau’s dedication to historical allegory and rich ornamentation ensured his pieces remained highly influential throughout the fin-de-siècle. As the intellectual property rights have since transitioned into the public domain, allowing for wide access, enthusiasts and researchers often seek high-quality prints and reproductions of Moreau’s studies for closer examination, studying the intricate methodology he employed in shifting between drawing and painting. The piece provides crucial insight into the highly detailed and often esoteric visual language that defined Moreau’s crucial contribution to the Symbolist movement.