The artwork “Nude, Begonia and Heads,” created around 1912 by the artist Odilon Redon, is a watercolor on paper that is part of a private collection. The piece is associated with the Symbolism movement and can be classified under the genre of nude painting (nu). This particular work of art is emblematic of Redon’s distinctive style, which often delves into the realm of fantasy and explores the subconscious.
In examining the artwork, one observes a reclining nude figure, seemingly at rest, with her arm supporting her head. The figure is depicted with a soft contour, and the gentle rendering of her form suggests a dream-like essence, consistent with the Symbolist ethos. Adjacent to the figure is a large, vibrantly colored begonia flower that dominates a considerable portion of the composition. The bloom, rich in shades of red and orange, spills over in a lush, organic manner.
To the right of the central subjects are disembodied heads that appear to float against the yellow-toned background. These faces exhibit serene expressions, adding a layer of mysticism to the piece. The presence of these heads might insinuate the multiplicity of thoughts or the various personas within an individual, a theme often explored in Symbolist works.
The color palette is both varied and harmonious, with the warmth of the begonia flower contrasting with the cooler tones presented in some of the heads and the background. Redon’s use of watercolors lends the artwork a degree of translucency, enhancing its ethereal quality. This combination of symbolism, color, and subject matter works together to create an artwork that invites introspection and suggests a narrative beyond the visible—a characteristic pursuit of Symbolist artists.
