The artwork titled “Vision” by Odilon Redon, created in 1879, is an exquisite example of the Symbolist movement. It was rendered using the medium of lithography on paper, and measures 27.4 x 19.8 cm. This symbolic painting is a part of Redon’s series “In the Dream,” which captures the quintessence of the artist’s exploration of the mystical and the enigmatic realms of the psyche.
“Vision” bears the characteristic darkness and luminosity that Redon often employed, reflecting the Symbolist predilection for dreams, visions, and the inner workings of the human mind. The central feature of the artwork is a large, radiant eye that commands the viewer’s attention amidst an expanse of textured darkness. The eye, finely detailed and luminous, seems almost celestial in its quality, surrounded by radiating lines that convey intensity and power. Directing the attention of the viewers, it suggests an omnipresence or a transcendental watchfulness.
The setting appears to be within a monumental space, evoking the atmosphere of a cathedral or temple, punctuated with classical architecture. Two small figures are depicted at the bottom of the scene, giving a sense of scale and perhaps suggesting a human encounter with the divine or the subconscious. Their inclusion offers a dynamic contrast to the immensity and majesty of the eye above them.
Overall, the emotive power of the composition and the exquisite lithographic technique combine to create a haunting and enigmatic piece that is open to various interpretations. It stands as a testament to the enduring themes of the Symbolism movement, in which artists like Redon dared to delve into the non-rational aspects of the human experience through their art.