Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Odilon Redon, ink, 1898
Untitled, by Odilon Redon, ink, 1898

Untitled is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Odilon Redon's 1898 lithograph Untitled is a monochromatic portrait of a young boy with short dark hair, dressed in a white shirt, set against a plain off-white background. The boy's neutral expression is the focal point, conveyed through soft, gentle lines.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a youthful figure with a calm demeanor, embodies a sense of serenity. The work's meaning, while not explicitly stated, may allude to the innocence of youth or the artist's exploration of contemplative states, characteristic of Symbolist themes.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithograph, Untitled showcases Redon's mastery of monochromatic printmaking, a hallmark of his earlier noirs period. Despite the artist's concurrent shift towards color (pastel and oil), this piece adheres to his established draftsmanship and monochrome aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created during Redon's transitional late 1890s, Untitled is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Notably, the work contrasts with the emerging Impressionist influences of the time, instead reflecting Redon's Symbolist roots.

Context

While the provided visual note inaccurately suggests Impressionist characteristics and brushstrokes (inconsistent with lithography), Untitled actually aligns with Redon's Symbolist exploration of mood and form through precise, gentle lithographic technique.

Legacy

As a piece from Redon's transitional period, Untitled highlights the artist's adherence to his Symbolist and printmaking roots amidst stylistic shifts. It contributes to the broader understanding of Redon's oeuvre and the evolution of Symbolism in late 19th-century France.

Untitled
Untitled, Odilon Redon

Artist & collection

Portrait of Odilon Redon

Artist

Odilon Redon

Odilon Redon (born Bertrand Redon; French: ; 20 April 1840 – 6 July 1916) was a French Symbolist draftsman, printmaker, and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Odilon Redon in 1898.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Impressionism.