Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a charcoal and chalk drawing on paper created by Odilon Redon in 1882, exemplifies the artist's early monochromatic period, preceding his transition to color in the 1890s.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a shadowy, robed figure with a hidden face and contorted body, conveying a sense of mysterious power. The figure's pose and obscured identity invite interpretation, characteristic of Symbolist themes.
Technique & Style
Redon employed soft, smudgy charcoal lines to achieve a three-dimensional effect in the robe's folds, set against a dark, contrasting background. This technique, reminiscent of his *noirs* series, emphasizes texture and volume.
History & Provenance
Created in 1882, this work is part of Redon's initial body of work dominated by charcoal and lithography, marking a period before his exploration of pastels and oils.
Context
As a leading figure in French Symbolism, Redon's *Untitled* reflects the movement's emphasis on suggestive, enigmatic imagery, encouraging viewer engagement with the unknown.
Artist & collection
Artist
Born Bertrand-Jean Redon on 20 April 1840 in Bordeaux, the artist adopted the name Odilon from his mother, Marie-Odile.
First a Pool of Water, Then a Prostitute, the Corner of a Temple, a Soldier's Face, a Chariot with Two White, Rearing Horses
Profil de lumiere (Profile of light)
Druidesse
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!)
The Book of Light
And Another Angel Came Out of the Temple which is in Heaven, and He also Having a Sharp Sickle
Et un autre ange sortit du temple qui est au ciel, ayant lui aussi une faucille tranchante (And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also having a sharp sickle)
Princess Maleine (The Little Madonna)