Artwork
Beatrice
Beatrice is a print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Odilon Redon’s print titled *Beatrice* marks his most extensive use of color lithography, employing a full spectrum of hues rather than the monochrome approach typical of his earlier prints. The image presents a floating female figure surrounded by a soft, mist‑like atmosphere rendered in delicate pinks, blues, and yellows, with a faint halo suggesting an otherworldly presence.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure references the legendary Beatrice, the woman who inspired the medieval poet Dante Alighieri. Redon revisited this motif several times, portraying her as an ethereal muse whose timeless allure transcends the narrative of the original poetry, embodying an ideal of spiritual beauty.
Technique & Style
Executed in collaboration with printer Auguste Clot, the lithograph utilizes a nuanced gradation of color that blurs edges and merges tones, echoing the sfumato effect of Renaissance painting. The muted palette and seamless transitions create a dreamlike haze, emphasizing atmosphere over precise delineation.
History & Provenance
Created in the 1890s, *Beatrice* was published by the prominent dealer Ambroise Vollard, who frequently worked with Redon during that decade. It remains the sole example in Redon’s oeuvre that employs a complete range of colors in a single lithographic print.
Context
During the late nineteenth century Redon explored symbolism and the inner world of imagination, moving away from the darker, monochrome prints of his earlier career. *Beatrice* reflects this shift, integrating literary inspiration with a softer, more lyrical visual language.
Artist & collection
Artist
Born Bertrand-Jean Redon on 20 April 1840 in Bordeaux, the artist adopted the name Odilon from his mother, Marie-Odile.
