Artwork

The Buddha

The Buddha, by Odilon Redon, 1895
The Buddha, by Odilon Redon, 1895

The Buddha is a print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1961.279

About this work

Overview

The Buddha is a 1895 print by Odilon Redon, a French Symbolist artist, marking a shift from his earlier darker, monochromatic noirs to a more nuanced style.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a Buddha figure, is depicted with a large, rounded body and a small head, standing against a dark background, evoking contemplation through its downward gaze.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white, the print utilizes intricate lines and shading to achieve a three-dimensional, highly realistic representation, characteristic of Redon's later work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1895, this piece reflects Redon's transitional period, moving away from charcoal and lithographs towards exploring other mediums like pastels and oils in the 1890s.

Context

Within Redon's oeuvre, The Buddha sits at the cusp of his stylistic evolution, distancing from the somberness of his noirs while maintaining his signature draftsmanship.

Legacy

As part of Redon's later output, The Buddha contributes to the broader appreciation of his versatility and the Symbolist movement's exploration of themes beyond the mundane.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Buddha?

The Buddha was painted by Odilon Redon in 1895.

Where can I see The Buddha?

The Buddha is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Buddha?

The Buddha is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Buddha?

Museum-quality prints of The Buddha are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.