Who painted Parsifal?

Parsifal was painted by Odilon Redon in 1892.

Where can I see Parsifal?

Parsifal is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Parsifal?

Parsifal is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Parsifal

Odilon Redon , 1892

Parsifal is a print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Redon made this after hearing Wagner’s opera *Parsifal*, about a hero searching for the Holy Grail.

A knight in armor stands alone against a dark, swirling background. His face is pale, eyes empty, as if lost in thought. A faint halo glows around his head.

Redon made this after hearing Wagner’s opera *Parsifal*, about a hero searching for the Holy Grail. The murky colors and eerie mood don’t tell a clear story—they just hint at something deeper. It’s more like a dream than a scene.

If you like this quiet, mysterious style, look up Odilon Redon (French, 1840–1916).

Overview

This print, titled 'Parsifal', is a work by Odilon Redon, a French artist active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It depicts a lone knight in armor set against a dark, turbulent background.

Subject & Meaning

The print's subject is Parsifal, a heroic knight from Richard Wagner's 1882 opera of the same name, which revolves around the quest for the Holy Grail. The knight's vacant expression and the surrounding atmosphere evoke a sense of mystery and contemplation.

Technique & Style

Redon's use of murky tones and an otherworldly glow around the knight's head creates a dreamlike quality, characteristic of his style. The print's eerie mood and lack of clear narrative add to its enigmatic nature.

History & Provenance

The print was donated to the museum by Ralph King, a founding trustee and collector known for his enthusiasm for Redon's work. King was a prominent figure among New York City gallerists in the 1920s, often purchasing entire inventories of the artist's prints.