Closed Eyes (1899) by Odilon Redon

Closed Eyes - Odilon Redon - 1899

Artwork Information

TitleClosed Eyes
ArtistOdilon Redon
Date1899
Art MovementSymbolism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Closed Eyes

The artwork entitled “Closed Eyes,” created by Odilon Redon in 1899, is a quintessential example of the Symbolist movement. This portrait, which falls under the genre of Symbolism, was produced at the cusp of the 20th century and currently resides within a private collection. Redon’s work is often celebrated for its dreamlike quality and emotional depth, characteristics inherent to the Symbolist movement, which sought to express ideas and emotions rather than to represent the physical world.

In “Closed Eyes,” the artwork presents a figure shown in what could be interpreted as a state of repose or introspection, the closed eyes serving as a gateway to an inner universe beyond the physical realm. This figure is depicted with a halo, possibly suggesting a spiritual or sanctified nature, invoking a sense of meditative calm. The use of subtle and muted tones to define the figure against an indistinct background contributes to the ethereal atmosphere of the piece. Delicate yet intentional brushstrokes give form to the face and the suggestion of the body, ensuring that the viewer’s focus is entirely on the poise and expression of the subject. The light touches of color employed for the halo add a celestial quality, while the grounding earth tones suggest a connection to the corporeal world.

Redon’s signature sits boldly at the lower edge of the portrait, anchoring the ephemeral subject into the tangible medium. Overall, “Closed Eyes” encapsulates the essence of Symbolist art: an exploration of the mysteries beyond the visible, offering a profound contemplative experience that invites the viewer to delve into the realms of symbolism and the subconscious.

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