Artwork

Young Man (Jeune Homme)

Young Man (Jeune Homme), by Odilon Redon, ink, 1898
Young Man (Jeune Homme), by Odilon Redon, ink, 1898

Young Man (Jeune Homme) 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

Young Man (Jeune Homme) is a drawing by Odilon Redon, created between 1896 and 1900, using brush and black ink on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a youthful figure viewed from behind, with a bowed head and braided hair, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation. The abstract, swirling background suggests a dreamlike or introspective atmosphere, echoing the subject's emotional state.

Technique & Style

Redon employed soft, expressive lines and cross-hatching to achieve a textured, emotive effect. The loose, looping marks in the background create a sense of movement and mood, rather than representing a specific environment.

Context

Redon's work often prioritized capturing inner experiences and emotions over realistic representation, using simple yet evocative marks to convey complex feelings.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.