Ophelia (1905) by Odilon Redon

Ophelia - Odilon Redon - 1905

Artwork Information

TitleOphelia
ArtistOdilon Redon
Date1905
Art MovementSymbolism

About Ophelia

The artwork “Ophelia” created by Odilon Redon in 1905, is a quintessential example of the Symbolist movement, a genre which espoused the expression of emotion and ideas over realistic representation. This piece is categorized as a literary painting, as it draws upon the tragic character Ophelia from William Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet’. The painting is a tapestry of vibrant and contrasting hues, with a dreamlike quality that evokes thought and introspection.

At first glance, the audience is enveloped in a rich palette of colors, where golden yellow and deep blue dominate the scene. The composition is abundant with floral imagery; an array of flowers, possibly including poppies, bluebells, and other wild flora, are depicted with a sense of vivacity that nearly leaps from the canvas. The use of color and texture within the artwork is evocative of a natural setting, deeply imbued with mood and symbolism.

To the right of the artwork, emerging from this floral landscape, appears the subtle profile of a face, thought to represent Ophelia herself. The figure’s features are rendered with soft, ethereal lines that merge seamlessly with the surrounding environment, suggesting a deep interconnectedness between the character and nature. This blending technique contributes to the melancholic and haunting atmosphere that is characteristic of Ophelia’s narrative in literature.

The painting’s composition deftly balances elements of abstraction and figuration, typical of Redon’s oeuvre. The synergy between the subject and the abstract qualities of the work invites contemplation, urging the viewer to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper meanings interwoven within the art. Together, the elements within the painting affirm Redon’s place within the Symbolist movement, as “Ophelia” epitomizes the movement’s drive to depict the unseen world of emotion and the human psyche.

Other Artwork from Odilon Redon

More Symbolism Artwork

Scroll to Top