Artwork
Le Gue (The Ford)
Le Gue (The Ford) 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
Le Gue (The Ford) is an 1865 etching by French artist Odilon Redon, capturing a moment of figures on horseback navigating a shallow water crossing within a dramatic landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The etching portrays a group of horseback riders crossing a river or stream, set against a backdrop of rocky cliffs and a cloudy sky, emphasizing the interaction between figures and natural environment.
Technique & Style
Redon employed etching to achieve textured depth, with the medium's capabilities highlighted in the rendering of water, landscape, and figures; the technique of drypoint was likely utilized to enhance detailed elements.
History & Provenance
Created in 1865, specific details regarding the work's provenance and early exhibition history are not provided in available sources.
Context
Le Gue reflects Redon's early exploration of landscape and figural themes, preceding his later, more renowned Symbolist works, and demonstrates his skill with etching as a narrative tool.
Legacy
While not among Redon's most celebrated pieces, Le Gue contributes to the understanding of his technical proficiency with etching and his evolving artistic interests during the 1860s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Born Bertrand-Jean Redon on 20 April 1840 in Bordeaux, the artist adopted the name Odilon from his mother, Marie-Odile.
