Odilon Redon, Orpheus
Wade, 1926.25 · The Cleveland Museum of Art, Open Access (CC0)View original →
Odilon Redon

Orpheus

c. 1903–10

Current Collection

Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Medium
pastel on brown paper
Dimensions
68.8 × 56.8 cm
Status
In Museum Collection
Collect24 Art ID
C24-191547

Drawn in vivid layers of pastel crayon, this work depicts the head of the poet and musician Orpheus. The story of the god of music, whose music carried on after his death through his lyre and head, fascinated Redon, who related to Orpheus's dedication to his art. The subject also aligned with Redon's broader interest in dreams and spirituality around this time and he represented Orpheus several times throughout his career, in various media. Here, the god's head floats as if in stasis while Mount Parnassus—the home of Apollo and the Muses—soars from behind.

Provenance

Wade, 1926.25

Registry history

  • c. 1903–10 — Recorded in the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art — drawings

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