Christ was painted by Odilon Redon in 1887.

Where can I see Christ?

Christ is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Christ?

Christ is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Christ

Odilon Redon , 1887

Christ is a print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1956.298
Credit line: Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland

About this work

Overview

Christ is a lithograph by Odilon Redon depicting a non-traditional, beardless Christ with eyes closed, conveying a sense of weariness and suffering under an oversized crown of thorns, set against a dark, dreamlike background.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a melancholic Christ, emphasizing his anguish through expressive facial features and the prominent, angular crown of thorns, inviting contemplation on the figure's emotional state.

Technique & Style

Redon utilized lithography's capabilities, drawing with a crayon on stone and scraping it to achieve contrasting textures: sharp, geometric thorn details and softer, shaded facial contours, enhanced by deep, evocative blacks.

Context

The piece reflects Redon's experimentation with lithography, leveraging its tonal range to create a chiaroscuro effect, where strong contrasts between light and dark amplify the dramatic and introspective atmosphere.