The artwork titled “Silence” was created by the artist Odilon Redon in 1900. This symbolic painting, executed in pastel on paper, resonates with the ethos of the Symbolism art movement. It is currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, USA.
“Silence” is a profoundly evocative piece that embodies the essence of quietude and introspection. The central figure occupies a halo-like space, with her face conveying a sense of serene contemplation or prayer. Her eyes are gently closed, and her fingers are pressed to her lips in a gesture that quite literally embodies the title of the work. The muted palette and softness of the pastel contribute to the hushed atmosphere of the composition. Surrounding the figure, ambiguous forms and faint, wavelike patterns interact, suggesting a fluid, ethereal environment in which the concept of silence can be not just heard, but visually felt. This harmony of form and content is emblematic of Redon’s Symbolist approach, where the subject matter goes beyond the obvious visual representation to convey deeper psychological or emotional states.