Artwork
Princess Maleine (The Little Madonna)

Princess Maleine (The Little Madonna) is a print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2021.172
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
Princess Maleine is an etching by Odilon Redon, created using the drypoint technique. It depicts a figure from a play by Maurice Maeterlinck.
Subject & Meaning
The print represents Princess Maleine, the protagonist of Maeterlinck's tragic drama. Redon admired the playwright and was collected by him, indicating a mutual appreciation between the artist and writer.
Technique & Style
Redon used drypoint to achieve the feathery texture and tonal areas in the print. This technique involves scratching lines into a metal plate, which wears down with each impression, resulting in softer later prints.
Context
The artwork reflects Redon's interest in literary subjects and his connection to the avant-garde playwright Maeterlinck.
Artist & collection
Artist
Odilon Redon (born Bertrand Redon; French: ; 20 April 1840 – 6 July 1916) was a French Symbolist draftsman, printmaker, and painter.














