Sleep
Original title: Sleep
kurzbeschreibung
Odilon Redon made this lithograph, titled Schlaf, in 1898; it was printed on Imperial Japan paper. The image presents a woman seen from behind, her head wrapped in a cloth or veil, her posture thoughtful. The sheet belongs to Redon's graphic work, which is known for its restrained, monochrome visual language.
Description
The layout is plain and uncluttered: the woman occupies the center, yet her back is turned to the viewer. A cloth or veil partly covers her face, while her neck and shoulders stand out. Delicate strokes articulate the garment and the head covering. Gray dominates over gray, and the light falls evenly, without strong shadows. No other figures or objects appear, which emphasizes the woman's isolation.
Context
During the 1890s Redon devoted himself increasingly to printmaking; the 1898 lithograph falls in his later phase. By then he had moved away from the dark, fantastic subjects of his Noirs and turned to lighter, lyrical motifs. A major Symbolist, he rejected the naturalist currents of his time. The sheet was printed on Japan paper, a support valued for fine graphic work.
Impact
The economy of means and the even, calm light give the print a quiet, meditative presence. The woman's turned back creates distance and invites contemplative looking. The monochrome grays deepen the inner mood and draw attention to form.
Technique
For this lithograph Redon drew with grease crayon on the stone and then transferred the image to paper. Printing was done on Imperial Japan paper, prized for its smooth surface and fine texture. The faint lines and even gray tones suggest a careful and precise printing.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)