The artwork titled “Oannes,” created by the artist Odilon Redon in the year 1904, is a mythological painting that resonates with the Symbolist art movement. The medium employed is oil on canvas, with dimensions measuring approximately 64 x 53.5 cm. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection, signifying that it is not on public display.
The artwork delves into the realm of myth and legend, a characteristic thematic focus of the Symbolist movement, which often sought to capture the unseen and mystical aspects of human experience. The portrayal in the artwork is rich with symbolism, showing a mythical figure that appears to emerge from or merge with the surrounding environment, indicating a deep connection to the natural or otherworldly realm.
The canvas is suffused with a dreamlike atmosphere, blending the real with the surreal, thereby inviting the viewer into an introspective journey. The use of color and light seems to imbue the scene with a sense of mystery and transcendence. This piece, like many of Redon’s works, would likely engage the viewer’s imagination, encouraging personal interpretation and emotional response, key tenets of the Symbolist ethos.