Icarus by Odilon Redon

Icarus - Odilon Redon -

Artwork Information

TitleIcarus
ArtistOdilon Redon
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementSymbolism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Icarus

The artwork “Icarus” by Odilon Redon is a mythological painting created using oil on canvas, connected to the Symbolism art movement. Currently held in a private collection, this piece embodies the Symbolist interest in myth, dream, and emotion.

In the artwork, a solitary figure assumed to be Icarus is presented in an abstracted form against a warmly-toned background. Icarus, known from Greek mythology for his tragic flight too close to the sun, is depicted here with defining wings that have a textured, feathered appearance. The one visible wing, boldly colored in a vivid red hue, dramatically contrasts with the softer background, imparting the sense of a fiery nature, possibly referencing the sun that ultimately led to his downfall.

What is particularly striking about this piece is its focus on the moment and the use of color symbolism, a characteristic aspect of Redon’s approach and the Symbolist movement at large. The palette seems to evoke the heat and light associated with the sun, and the figure’s pose—a gesture of holding something aloft—perhaps captures a moment of aspiration or ill-fated ambition, resonating with the dramatic story of Icarus. Despite the movement’s broader reach, here, Redon creates a deeply personal and subjective interpretation of the myth, inviting viewers into a contemplative dialogue with the themes of hubris and consequence.

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