The artwork titled “The Old Woman: What are you afraid of? A wide black hole! Perhaps it is a void? (plate 19)” is a symbolic piece created by French artist Odilon Redon in 1896. It is crafted through the medium of lithography on paper and is part of the “The Temptation of Saint Anthony” series which falls under the Symbolism art movement. Symbolism was an artistic and literary movement that sought to represent ideas and emotions through indirect suggestion rather than direct description.
The artwork portrays a hauntingly enigmatic scene, featuring an old woman or figure draped in heavy, flowing garments, emphasized by bold contrasts of light and shadow. The face of the figure is shrouded in darkness, leaving the impression of a haunting or sorrowful countenance. Hovering above and around the figure are indistinct forms and textures that contribute to an atmosphere of mystery and unease. The title, presented as a question at the bottom, suggests concerns of existential dread or a contemplation of the unknown. The dreamlike quality and the use of symbolism are indicative of Redon’s artistic intent to delve into the psychological and metaphysical inquiries rather than representing the physical world with precision.