Artwork
The Buddha

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
- Credit line
- Gift of Mrs. Malcolm L. McBride
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.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Odilon Redon (born Bertrand Redon; French: ; 20 April 1840 – 6 July 1916) was a French Symbolist draftsman, printmaker, and painter.



















