The Haunted House (La Maison Hantée)
Original title: Title page to the series, The Haunted House (La Maison Hantée)
kurzbeschreibung
Odilon Redon made this lithograph in 1896 as the title page for the series "La Maison Hantée". A central emblem of half-circle, radiating halo and spiral dominates the sheet, with the names of author, translator and artist set around it.
Description
A half-circle ringed by rays sits at the heart of the print; beneath it a spiral coils, suggestive of a snake or a tentacle. The layout reads clearly and symmetrically, every element pointing toward the emblem at the middle. Greys prevail, lending the image something calm and concealed. No other figures or objects appear. The inscriptions "Texte de BULWER - LYTTON", "LA MAISON HANTÉE", "Traduction RENÉ PHILIPON" and "ODILON REDON 1896" are set plainly and legibly.
Context
The sheet served as the title page for "La Maison Hantée", issued in 1896 and based on a text by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in René Philipon's translation. During the 1890s Redon produced several lithographic cycles on symbolist themes. This series belongs among his later graphic works, which often draw on literary sources.
Impact
The spare, mirror-like arrangement draws the eye to the enigmatic sign, which gives off an eerie yet quiet mood. The greys deepen the sense of mystery and invite the viewer to interpret.
Technique
The sheet was printed as a lithograph on china paper, a fine, smooth stock reserved for high-quality impressions. The process allows delicate gradations of grey, used here for the subtle play of light and shadow.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)