Artwork
Princess Maleine (The Little Madonna)
Princess Maleine (The Little Madonna) 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
Overview
Princess Maleine is an etching by Odilon Redon, created using the drypoint technique. It depicts a figure from a play by Maurice Maeterlinck.
Subject & Meaning
The print represents Princess Maleine, the protagonist of Maeterlinck's tragic drama. Redon admired the playwright and was collected by him, indicating a mutual appreciation between the artist and writer.
Technique & Style
Redon used drypoint to achieve the feathery texture and tonal areas in the print. This technique involves scratching lines into a metal plate, which wears down with each impression, resulting in softer later prints.
Context
The artwork reflects Redon's interest in literary subjects and his connection to the avant-garde playwright Maeterlinck.
Artist & collection
Artist
Born Bertrand-Jean Redon on 20 April 1840 in Bordeaux, the artist adopted the name Odilon from his mother, Marie-Odile.
Untitled
And a Large Bird, Descending from the Sky, Hurls Itself against the Topmost Point of Her Hair
And Another Angel Came Out of the Temple which is in Heaven, and He also Having a Sharp Sickle
La Vieille: Que Crains-tu? Un large trou Noir! Il est vide peut-etre? (What are you afraid of? A wide black hole! It is empty, perhaps!)
Druidesse
C'est le Diable
Untitled