Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Odilon Redon, crayon, 1901
Untitled, by Odilon Redon, crayon, 1901

Untitled is a crayon drawing by Odilon Redon. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a drawing created by Odilon Redon in 1901 using colored conté crayon on paper. The work exemplifies Redon's later style, characterized by experimentation with color and texture.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing is a portrait of a bearded man in profile, lost in thought. The subject's introspective demeanor is conveyed through subtle lines and shading, creating a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Redon employed colored conté crayon on a light brown paper background to achieve a warm, earthy tone. The visible lines and shading add depth and dimension to the subject, demonstrating Redon's skill as a draftsman.

History & Provenance

Redon transitioned from his earlier monochromatic style to a more colorful approach around 1900, as seen in this work. His earlier 'noirs' gained recognition after being featured in Joris-Karl Huysmans' 1884 novel À rebours.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Odilon Redon

Artist

Odilon Redon

Born Bertrand-Jean Redon on 20 April 1840 in Bordeaux, the artist adopted the name Odilon from his mother, Marie-Odile.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.