Who painted Passage of a Soul?

Passage of a Soul was painted by Odilon Redon in 1891.

Where can I see Passage of a Soul?

Passage of a Soul is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Passage of a Soul?

Passage of a Soul is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Passage of a Soul

Odilon Redon , 1891

Passage of a Soul is a print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Passage of a Soul, a 1891 print by Odilon Redon, exemplifies the artist's early Symbolist period, characterized by a transitional phase in his medium and palette.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a ghostly, shadowy figure ascending with outstretched arms, set against a dark, textured background with tangled, root-like elements below. This ethereal scene explores spiritual themes, typical of Redon's pre-bright period imagery.

Technique & Style

Redon employed soft, smudged lines to create a fading, dreamy effect, prioritizing mood over detail—a stylistic choice popular among late 19th-century artists seeking atmospheric depth.

History & Provenance

Created during Redon's shift from monochromatic media to more colorful techniques, this piece precedes his later, brighter works. Redon's reputation had grown following the mention of his 'noirs' in Huysmans' 1884 novel À rebours.