Oedipus and the Sphinx
Gustave Moreau · 1864
Why it's great
Oedipus stands face to face with the Sphinx in a rocky pass, the monster clinging to his chest. Moreau's picture shows two figures locked in a deep stare. It was his first success at the Salon, in 1864. It's among the most famous Symbolist paintings.
Where to see it
📍 Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York City, United States
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Gustave Moreau was born in Paris and became a leading Symbolist painter. He painted glittering scenes from myth and the Bible, with fantastic detail. He later taught at the École des Beaux-Arts, where Matisse was a student. His Paris house is now a museum.
