Lady Macbeth (c.1898) by Odilon Redon

Lady Macbeth - Odilon Redon - c.1898

Artwork Information

TitleLady Macbeth
ArtistOdilon Redon
Datec.1898
Mediumpastel,paper
Dimensions55 x 40 cm
Art MovementSymbolism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Lady Macbeth

The artwork titled “Lady Macbeth,” created by French artist Odilon Redon, dates back to circa 1898. This piece is part of the Symbolism art movement and serves as a literary painting, as it draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s renowned play, “Macbeth.” Crafted using pastel on paper, the work features dimensions of 55 by 40 centimeters and is currently housed in a private collection.

This pastel rendering by Odilon Redon exudes a mystic, oneiric quality as it endeavors to capture the essence of Lady Macbeth’s complex character. The palette chosen by the artist pivots around rich, intense hues that shift from the deep, fiery red of Lady Macbeth’s garment to the contrasting blues and earthy tones in the background. Her figure is both dominant and inscrutable, with her gaze fixed directly at the viewer, fostering an unsettling and disarming connection. In her hand, she cradles what appears to be a golden object, reminiscent of a candlestick or vessel. The object itself seems ethereal, adding to the overall otherworldly aura Redon achieves in the artwork. The deliberate use of light and shadow, along with the smoldering intensity of color, captures the inner tumult and ambition of the tragic Shakespearean figure. Redon’s use of both color and composition in this piece underscores the symbolism associated with Lady Macbeth, making the artwork a profound reflection on the themes of power, guilt, and psychological turmoil.

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