Who painted The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head?

The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head was painted by Odilon Redon in 1885.

Where can I see The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head?

The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head?

The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head

Odilon Redon , 1885

The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head is a print by the Impressionist artist Odilon Redon. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1927.344.2
Credit line: Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland

About this work

Overview

The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head is a lithograph by Odilon Redon, part of his early experimentation with the medium. It belongs to a series titled Homage to Goya, created in tribute to Francisco de Goya’s exploration of the subconscious.

Subject & Meaning

The print features a pale, drooping flower in place of a human face, with closed eyes and a slack mouth, conveying a quiet, introspective sadness. This blend of organic and human forms reflects Redon’s interest in the subconscious, echoing Goya’s thematic ambiguity.

Technique & Style

Executed in black-and-white lithography, the work utilizes soft shadows to merge the floral and facial elements. Redon’s use of subtle, blurred edges resembles the sfumato technique, characteristic of his 'noirs' series, which captures dreamlike, introspective states.

History & Provenance

Dating from Redon’s early lithographic period, The Marsh Flower was part of a complete set acquired by Cleveland in the 1920s, including its original cover, as part of the Homage to Goya portfolio.

Context

Created as a tribute to Goya, the piece reflects Redon’s admiration for the Spanish master’s exploration of dreams and the subconscious, situating it within the broader context of late 19th-century interest in psychological and introspective themes.