Odilon Redon Biography

Odilon Redon (1840-1916) was a visionary French artist whose work is often associated with Symbolism and early abstraction.

Born Bertrand Redon in 1840 in Bordeaux, France, Redon's early life was marred by illness, leading him to spend much of his childhood in isolation.  This period of solitude and introspection greatly influenced his artistic sensibilities, instilling in him a profound connection to the imagination and subconscious.

Redon's artistic journey began with training in architecture and sculpture, but he soon turned to drawing and painting under the mentorship of Jean-Léon Gérôme. His early works were primarily charcoal drawings and lithographs, known as 'noirs', which depicted fantastic and often unsettling scenes.  These monochromatic pieces, such as 'The Eye Like a Strange Balloon Mounts Toward Infinity' (1882), explored themes of dreams, nightmares and the unknown, reflecting Redon's interest in the darker aspects of human psyche.

As his career progressed, Redon began to incorporate vibrant colours into his work, creating a striking contrast to his earlier black-and-white compositions.  His use of pastels and oils brought to life otherworldly visions filled with mythical creatures, ethereal landscapes and enigmatic symbols.  Works like 'The Cyclops' (1914), and 'Ophelia' (1905) exemplify his unique ability to blend the real and the imaginary, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder.

Redon's fascination with literature and philosophy also influenced his art. He drew inspiration from the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Baudelaire and Stéphane Mallarmé, among others. This intellectual engagement is evident in the rich symbolism and allegorical nature of his paintings and drawings.

Despite his avant-garde style, Redon achieved considerable recognition during his lifetime.  He exhibited with the Nabis group and was highly regarded by his contemporaries, including Henri Matisse and Paul Gauguin.

Redon died in 1916 at the age of 76.