Une femme revêtue du Soleil (A woman clothed with the sun)

Art Historical Context

Odilon Redon's *Une femme revêtue du* (A Woman Clothed with the Sun), created in 1899 draws its evocative title from the Book of Revelation in the Bible depicting a mystical figure symbolizing divine femininity, apocalypse, or cosmic mystery. As a leading Symbolist artist, Red masterfully blended dreamlike fantasy with spiritual introspection during the fin-de-siècle era, a time when artists sought to evoke emotions and the unseen realms beyond realism. This lithograph captures his early mastery of monochromatic "noirs"—haunting black-and-white works that preceded his vibrant pastels and oils. Printed in black on chine collé—a refined technique adhering delicate Chinese paper to a sturdy support for subtle tonal gradations—the 28.9 x 23 cm print exemplifies lithography's intimacy and precision. Redon's soft, atmospheric lines conjure ethereal forms, inviting viewers into a poetic reverie. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection, it highlights his innovative printmaking, bridging 19th-century Romanticism and modern abstraction. This intimate piece remains a testament to Redon's ability to infuse profound symbolism into modest formats, offering museum visitors a glimpse into the soulful visions that captivated turn-of-the-century audiences.

About the Artist

Odilon Redon · 1840–1916

Odilon Redon (1840-1916) was a French Symbolist painter, printmaker, and pastellist whose visionary art bridged the 19th-century Symbolist movement and 20th-century Surrealism. Born Bertrand Redon in Bordeaux on April 20, 1840, he earned the nickname "Odilon" from his mother Odile. His father, who made his fortune in the Louisiana slave trade, conceived Odilon in New Orleans before the family retu...