Odilon Redon (French, 1840–1916) was a master of dreamlike Symbolism, forging a path between the seen world and the subconscious long before Surrealism had a name. Born in Bordeaux, Redon studied art formally but often rejected academic conventions in favor of imaginative introspection. Early in his career, he worked primarily in charcoal and lithography, creating moody, fantastical works he called noirs, characterized by floating heads, mysterious creatures, and shadowy forms. These dark visions later gave way to luminous color when he turned to pastels and oils, painting florals, mythic figures, and radiant inner worlds with a vibrant palette.
Redon was deeply influenced by literature, philosophy, and music, particularly the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and the harmonies of Wagner. His art was not meant to mirror reality but to evoke the ineffable - to give form to thought and reverie. Today, Redon is celebrated as a pioneer of modern art who bridged the gap between Symbolism and abstraction.
