Artwork
Hideous Larvae
Hideous Larvae is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Clot. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Hideous Larvae is a lithographic print by Odilon Redon, part of a series inspired by Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s 1859 novel, The Haunted and the Haunters. The work embodies the book’s mysterious and supernatural themes through enigmatic imagery.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a cloud of pale, worm-like shapes twisting against a dark background, evoking an unsettling, animate presence without clear forms. This vague yet evocative approach captures the supernatural ambiance of the literary source.
Technique & Style
Redon, a skilled lithographer, achieved rich tonal variation by manipulating the lithographic crayon (using its side, layering marks, and scratching the stone). Collaboration with master printer Auguste Clot enhanced the technical precision, yielding sharp, eerie images.
History & Provenance
Created during Redon’s established period in lithography, the print reflects his practice of drawing inspiration from contemporary literature. The exact date and full provenance details are not specified in the provided context.
Context
The work relates to artistic techniques like sfumato, which emphasizes subtle transitions between light and dark, contributing to the haunting atmosphere. Redon’s literary inspirations and innovative lithographic methods situate the piece within late 19th-century explorations of the supernatural in art.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of Hideous Larvae are not provided, Redon’s experimental lithography and capture of the supernatural influenced subsequent artists exploring abstract and psychologically charged themes in printmaking.
Artist & collection
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Untitled
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Untitled
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It Is the Devil, Bearing Beneath His Two Wings the Seven Deadly Sins