Profile of a Young Girl (c.1900) by Odilon Redon

Profile of a Young Girl - Odilon Redon - c.1900

Artwork Information

TitleProfile of a Young Girl
ArtistOdilon Redon
Datec.1900
Mediumpastel,paper
Dimensions48.5 x 34 cm
Art MovementSymbolism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Profile of a Young Girl

The artwork “Profile of a Young Girl” by Odilon Redon dates back to circa 1900. Crafted as a pastel on paper, it measures 48.5 cm by 34 cm and exemplifies the Symbolism art movement. Redon is known for his unique blend of mysticism and dream-like imagery within his portraits and this artwork is no exception, residing in a private collection.

The artwork features the delicate side profile of a young girl against a vividly colored backdrop. The ethereal quality of the subject is imbued with a sense of introspection and quietude. The girl’s features are softly rendered in hushed tones that contrast with the brighter, more expressive colors surrounding her. Notably, the use of light and shade creates a luminescent quality, highlighting the subject’s contemplative expression.

There is a dynamic interplay of colors, with the green hues in the background suggesting a natural or spring-like atmosphere, while the splash of blues and yellows near the bottom right of the piece adds vibrancy and may symbolize emotion or spirituality, common themes within Symbolist art. Redon’s technique with pastels allows for a blend of gentle gradations and more intense bursts of color, emphasizing the Symbolist intent to evoke emotion and idea over direct representation. This portrait, while simple in composition, invites the observer to ponder the inner world of the young girl, much in line with the Symbolist movement’s objective to highlight the mystical or otherworldly through art.

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