The Birth of Venus (c.1912) by Odilon Redon

The Birth of Venus - Odilon Redon - c.1912

Artwork Information

TitleThe Birth of Venus
ArtistOdilon Redon
Datec.1912
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementSymbolism
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About The Birth of Venus

The artwork titled “The Birth of Venus” is a notable creation by the artist Odilon Redon, believed to have been completed around 1912. Crafted with oil on canvas, the piece is a representation within the Symbolism movement and falls under the genre of mythological painting. Although it resides in a private collection and is not on public display, the artwork holds significant cultural and historical value, depicting a scene from classical mythology often revisited by artists through time.

In the artwork, the central focus is the figure of Venus, emerging from a shell, a common motif in depictions of her birth. Surrounded by a blend of intense and muted colors, the atmosphere is a dreamlike fusion of earth, sea, and sky. Redon’s interpretation strays from the detailed realism of earlier Renaissance representations, instead opting for a more evocative and mystical portrayal aligned with Symbolist ideals. The abstract quality of the surroundings gives the impression of Venus materializing from the very essence of nature. Redon’s use of color and form captures the ephemeral nature of beauty and the divine, inviting viewers to connect with the symbolism and emotional resonance of the myth, rather than the literal event.

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