Who painted Apollonius?

Apollonius was painted by Odilon Redon in 1898.

Where can I see Apollonius?

Apollonius is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Apollonius?

Apollonius is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Apollonius

Odilon Redon , 1898

Apollonius is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The composition is dominated by a profile view, where the nose and chin are sharply delineated, while a patterned circular element rests near the mouth.

Created between 1896 and 1900, this drawing by Odilon Redon presents a solitary figure rendered in black ink on a light‑colored wove paper. The composition is dominated by a profile view, where the nose and chin are sharply delineated, while a patterned circular element rests near the mouth. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to consider the ambiguous presence of the subject.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays an enigmatic face, its features rendered with minimal detail yet enough definition to suggest a distinct identity. The juxtaposition of the clear profile against the obscure, patterned circle near the lips hints at themes of concealment and revelation, encouraging reflection on how perception shapes the understanding of self and other.

Technique & Style

Redon employed brush and black ink in a manner that allows the medium to flow like watercolor, creating soft, bleeding edges that contrast with precise cross‑hatching used to model light on the facial planes. Fine linear strokes outline the nose and chin, while broader washes generate atmospheric depth, producing a balance between realism and dream‑like abstraction.

History & Provenance

The drawing belongs to the later phase of Redon’s career, when he increasingly explored monochrome ink works alongside his more famous pastels. Although specific ownership records are limited, the piece is documented within the artist’s oeuvre from the turn of the twentieth century and has been exhibited in major collections of his graphic art.