Man’s head by Odilon Redon

Man's head - Odilon Redon -

Artwork Information

TitleMan's head
ArtistOdilon Redon
Mediumcharcoal,pencil,paper
Dimensions48.5 x 34.5 cm
Art MovementSymbolism

About Man's head

The artwork titled “Man’s Head,” created by Odilon Redon, is a striking example of Symbolist artistry. Redon has employed charcoal and pencil on paper to render a portrait that measures 48.5 by 34.5 centimeters. This piece embodies the Symbolism movement, which was characterized by a fascination with dreams and the psyche, emphasizing emotional and visionary expression over realism.

“Man’s Head” is executed with a distinctively moody and ethereal quality, typical of Redon’s work. The artwork features the visage of a man, his face emerging from the dark background with a sense of introspection. The subtle gradations of light and shadow, achieved through the skilled use of charcoal and pencil, contribute to the haunting quality of the work. The man’s eyes appear to gaze out soberly; they convey a deep sense of contemplation or perhaps existential unrest. Details such as the delineation of the cheekbones and the rendering of the hair are softened, which allows the features to appear as if they are subtly dissolving into the shadows around them.

Redon’s deft handling of his chosen mediums is evident in the textural contrasts that imbue the artwork with a tactile quality, despite its melancholic tone. The subtle details and the overall richness of the dark tones underscore the mystery inherent in Symbolist art, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and explore the psychological depths suggested by the portrait.

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