Four studies of snakes 

Gustave Moreau made these watercolor studies of snakes in the late 19th century. Moreau has used the watercolor to achieve lifelike representations of the snakes’ scales, capturing a sense of their texture and the play of light on their bodies. You can almost feel the smooth, cool touch of their skin. The quick, fluid strokes of the brush capture the sinuous movement and inherent tension. The studies also reference scientific illustrations, which were a popular genre at the time. Yet Moreau's approach remains artistic rather than strictly documentary. He has chosen to focus on the aesthetic qualities of the snakes. It’s as though Moreau saw the beauty and potential for symbolism in these creatures, elevating them beyond mere scientific specimens. Ultimately, the artist's hand is very present here. The immediacy of the medium and the artist's expressive touch imbue the work with a unique energy, transcending traditional distinctions between art and craft.