The artwork “Geranium” by Odilon Redon is a pastel on paper piece belonging to the flower painting genre and is housed in a private collection. While it might be associated with the Realism art movement, this categorization does not fully encompass the nuanced aesthetic choices typical of Redon’s work.
The artwork features a vividly colored geranium plant positioned in a terracotta pot. The geranium’s blooms present a striking contrast against a dark, seemingly formless background, allowing the viewer to focus primarily on the vibrancy of the flowers and the subtlety of the green leaves. Redon’s use of the pastel medium is evident in the soft textures and the blending of hues, which impart a sense of depth and luminosity to the plant. Despite the stated association with Realism, the artist’s unique approach hints at an interpretive rendition that leans towards symbolism, which characterizes much of Redon’s oeuvre. The intimacy of the composition and the presence of nuanced tonal variations suggest an exploration of color and form that transcends a purely realistic depiction.