The artwork titled “Portrait of Paule Gobillard,” crafted by the artist Odilon Redon in the year 1900, is a sophisticated example of portraiture from the Symbolism movement. Created using the medium of pastel on paper, the piece measures 52 by 46 centimeters and is currently held in a private collection. The genre of this work is a portrait, which captures the likeness and character of Paule Gobillard.
Upon examination of the artwork, one can discern a serene and thoughtful depiction of Paule Gobillard. Her gaze is directed away from the viewer, lending a sense of introspection and poise to her presence within the work. The soft pastel tones create a delicate interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the gentle contours of Gobillard’s profile and attire. The artist’s graceful application of pastels imbues the portrait with both a dreamlike quality and a sensitivity to the subject’s temperament, consistent with Redon’s approach within the Symbolist movement. The background, rendered with subtle variations and muted hues, serves to focus our attention on the sitter, accentuating her quiet elegance. Redon’s technique and choice of color palette contribute to the overall contemplative mood, inviting viewers to reflect on the more ethereal aspects of human existence, which Symbolism sought to represent.