Madness (1883) by Odilon Redon

Madness - Odilon Redon - 1883

Artwork Information

TitleMadness
ArtistOdilon Redon
Date1883
Mediumcharcoal,paper
Art MovementSymbolism

About Madness

The artwork entitled “Madness” is a creation of the artist Odilon Redon, dating back to 1883. This piece belongs to the Symbolism movement and is characterized as a portrait. It was executed using charcoal on paper, a medium that lends itself to the evocative and dreamlike qualities often associated with Symbolist art.

In “Madness,” the viewer is confronted with a haunting portrayal of a figure cast in shadow and light, allowing the charcoal’s natural qualities to enhance the artwork’s emotive power. The subject’s gaze is direct, engaging the viewer with an unsettling intensity that is amplified by the exaggerated size of their eyes. The figure’s cap is adorned with small figures or bells, which contribute to an otherworldly, fantastical ambiance, while their garment, marked by a frilled collar, adds a sense of antiquated elegance, potentially placing the subject in a timeless, indefinable realm.

The use of light and dark in the portrait creates a chiaroscuro effect, bringing the viewer’s focus to the subject’s facial expression, which is enigmatic and could be interpreted as a window into the psyche. The overall atmosphere suggests an exploration of the human condition, particularly the depths of psychological experience, which was a common theme in Symbolist art.

Odilon Redon’s work in “Madness” is emblematic of the Symbolist movement’s goal to express the ineffable — the emotions and ideas that lie beyond the visible world. With its evocative technique and thought-provoking content, the artwork invites contemplation on themes of inner life and the boundaries between sanity and madness.

Other Artwork from Odilon Redon

More Symbolism Artwork

Scroll to Top