Who painted La Peur (Fear)?

La Peur (Fear) was painted by Odilon Redon in 1865.

Where can I see La Peur (Fear)?

La Peur (Fear) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is La Peur (Fear)?

La Peur (Fear) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

La Peur (Fear)

Odilon Redon , 1865

La Peur (Fear) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Odilon Redon’s 1865 etching titled *La Peur* portrays a turbulent seascape dominated by sheer cliffs under a brooding sky. A solitary rider on a rearing horse leans forward, suggesting a desperate escape from an unseen threat. The composition is framed by dark, rolling clouds and crashing waves that amplify the sense of imminent danger.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of heightened anxiety, with the lone figure embodying human vulnerability amid the forces of nature. The rider’s forward-leaning posture and the horse’s strained musculature convey a frantic attempt to flee, inviting viewers to contemplate the psychological experience of fear in an unforgiving environment.

Technique & Style

Redon employed the etching process to render sharply defined lines and deep chiaroscuro, creating stark contrasts between illuminated cliffs and shadowed sky. The precise incisions emphasize the rugged texture of the rock faces, while the dense cross-hatching in the clouds and sea conveys movement and atmospheric tension.

History & Provenance

Created early in Redon’s career, *La Peur* reflects his interest in atmospheric drama before his later turn toward Symbolist painting. The print was produced in limited numbers typical of 19th‑century etchings, though specific details of its ownership trail remain scarce, indicating it likely circulated among private collectors of the period.

Context

The mid‑1860s saw a resurgence of interest in printmaking among French artists seeking to explore mood through line and tone. Redon’s etching aligns with contemporary Romantic and Realist tendencies, employing natural turmoil as a vehicle for expressing inner emotional states, a theme that would recur throughout his oeuvre.