The artwork entitled “In the balance” was created by artist Odilon Redon around 1880. This symbolic painting, executed in the medium of charcoal on paper, resonates with the Symbolism art movement. The artwork measures 38 x 36 cm and is held in a private collection. The genre of this piece is symbolic painting, which represents Redon’s inclination towards the exploration of subjective experiences and the representation of ideas over the literal depiction of the world.
“In the balance” presents a compelling and evocative image, predominantly rendered in charcoal. The artwork features a skillfully shaded human head resting peacefully within the confines of a shallow pan, which is suspended by a hook and wire from an unseen point above. The detached head is depicted with a serene expression, its eyes gently closed as if in deep contemplation or eternal slumber. The pan’s equilibrium suggests a delicate state, where the head is metaphorically “in the balance,” a possible allusion to themes of judgment, the value of thought or intellect, or the fragility of human existence.
Odilon Redon’s mastery in using charcoal allows for a harmonious interplay of light and dark, creating a soft and almost ethereal appearance to the subject. The minimalistic composition nonetheless communicates a profound sense of stillness and introspection. This resonates with the Symbolist movement’s penchant for exploring the mysteries of the human mind and the unseen forces of the universe through visual allegory and metaphor. The fact that the artwork resides in a private collection adds an element of exclusivity and mystery to the viewing experience, as it is not readily accessible for public viewing.