Red Thorns by Odilon Redon

Red Thorns - Odilon Redon -

Artwork Information

TitleRed Thorns
ArtistOdilon Redon
Mediumpastel,paper
Dimensions51.5 x 37 cm
Art MovementSymbolism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About Red Thorns

The artwork entitled “Red Thorns” is a creation of artist Odilon Redon, executed in the medium of pastel on paper. Belonging to the Symbolism art movement, it presents itself as a portrait with dimensions measuring 51.5 by 37 centimeters. The piece is currently held in a private collection and is characterized by its symbolic and evocative use of color and form.

The portrait in the artwork features a profile view of a figure set against a predominantly blue background. This somber blue is juxtaposed with vibrant red thorns that appear to emerge from or entwine around the figure, adding a striking contrast and emotional depth to the composition. The subject’s visage is rendered with a soft, ethereal quality, common in Redon’s work—an embodiment of the Symbolist movement’s emphasis on the expression of emotions and ideas over realistic representation.

The nuanced application of pastels has resulted in a textural interplay across the portrait, with areas of light and darkness enhancing the mystical and somewhat melancholic atmosphere. One perceives the use of light on the subject’s shoulder and face, offering a delicate radiance and contemplative quality to the artwork. The flowing lines and abstract elements suggest a narrative beyond the mere representation of a figure, encouraging viewers to delve into the psychological or spiritual undercurrents that Symbolist artists were known to explore. Through “Red Thorns,” Redon expertly engages with his audience on an introspective plane, bridging the visual and the visceral.

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