Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Odilon Redon's 1898 lithograph *Untitled* is a monochromatic portrait of a young boy with short dark hair, dressed in a white shirt, set against a plain off-white background. The boy's neutral expression is the focal point, conveyed through soft, gentle lines.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a youthful figure with a calm demeanor, embodies a sense of serenity. The work's meaning, while not explicitly stated, may allude to the innocence of youth or the artist's exploration of contemplative states, characteristic of Symbolist themes.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithograph, *Untitled* showcases Redon's mastery of monochromatic printmaking, a hallmark of his earlier *noirs* period. Despite the artist's concurrent shift towards color (pastel and oil), this piece adheres to his established draftsmanship and monochrome aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created during Redon's transitional late 1890s, *Untitled* is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Notably, the work contrasts with the emerging Impressionist influences of the time, instead reflecting Redon's Symbolist roots.
Context
While the provided visual note inaccurately suggests Impressionist characteristics and brushstrokes (inconsistent with lithography), *Untitled* actually aligns with Redon's Symbolist exploration of mood and form through precise, gentle lithographic technique.
Legacy
As a piece from Redon's transitional period, *Untitled* highlights the artist's adherence to his Symbolist and printmaking roots amidst stylistic shifts. It contributes to the broader understanding of Redon's oeuvre and the evolution of Symbolism in late 19th-century France.
Artist & collection
Artist
Born Bertrand-Jean Redon on 20 April 1840 in Bordeaux, the artist adopted the name Odilon from his mother, Marie-Odile.

















