Eyes Closed
Original title: Eyes Closed
kurzbeschreibung
Odilon Redon's 1890 lithograph 'Closed Eyes' portrays a woman with lowered lids. Rendered in muted gray tones, the emphasis falls entirely on the figure's quiet, inward presence.
Description
Soft waves of hair fall over the woman's shoulders; her eyes are closed and her mouth hints at a slight smile. Fine strokes and hatching articulate face and hair, all kept within grays. The layout is centered, bringing the face to the fore. Light and dark areas are evenly balanced, with no strong contrasts.
Context
The lithograph was made in 1890, when Redon was deeply engaged with Symbolism. It belongs to a series of prints devoted to inner life and dream. His leaning toward the invisible and the unconscious shapes this motif as well.
Impact
The print radiates a quiet, almost meditative mood. Because the woman's eyes remain closed, a sense of inwardness and detachment arises. The subdued grays and soft strokes give the image something delicate, yet also melancholic.
Technique
In the lithographic process, where a greasy crayon is drawn on the stone, Redon worked with the fine gradations of gray. This allowed him flowing transitions and a gentle modeling of the facial features. The medium makes it possible to reproduce thin lines and shading precisely.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)