The artwork titled “A strange Juggler” was created by artist Odilon Redon in 1885. This piece is a lithograph on paper that measures 20 by 19 centimeters and belongs to the “Homage to Goya” series. It is a genre painting that embodies the Symbolism art movement. Currently, the artwork is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois, United States.
In the artwork, one observes an enigmatic figure that appears to be a juggler. The subject is enveloped in shadows with a strange expression, accentuated by what looks like goggles or multiple sets of eyes, which lends an air of surrealism or dream-like quality. The composition is stark, with strong contrasts and a limited palette, characteristic of lithography. The Juggler is set against a background that includes a daisy flower and other floral motifs, which add a fantastical element to the otherwise somber scene. This juxtaposition of the mundane and the otherworldly is typical of Symbolist art, which sought to explore themes of the subconscious, the mystical, and the emotional through indirect and suggestive imagery.
