The artwork titled “Evocation (Head of Christ or Inspiration from a Mosaic in Ravenna)” is a pastel on paper piece that is attributed to the artist Odilon Redon. Created within the Symbolism art movement, this symbolic painting explores spiritual and evocative themes. Currently, the artwork resides in a private collection.
Observing the composition of the artwork, central to the piece is the portrayal of a serene, haloed face that invokes the Head of Christ, with a countenance that exudes a sense of tranquility and otherworldly presence. This visage is floating atop a background rendered in a rich mosaic of hues, reminiscent of the Byzantine mosaics found in Ravenna—an ancient city renowned for its stunning early Christian art and architecture. The pastel medium allows for a soft yet vibrant interplay of colors, wherein shades of gold, orange, and blue dominate the canvas, suggesting a celestial or divine luminosity. Abstract elements reminiscent of flora are incorporated at the lower section, providing contrast in both color and form with the central figure. Redon’s expertise in utilizing pastel can be appreciated in the texture and depth achieved, which gives this symbolic painting an ethereal and dreamlike quality, characteristic of his work within the Symbolism movement.