The artwork titled “Auricular Cell” is by artist Odilon Redon, created in 1894. This piece is a lithograph on paper, encapsulating the essence of the Symbolism art movement. Measuring 26.9 cm by 25.1 cm, this work is categorized within the genre of symbolic painting. It currently resides at the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
“Auricular Cell” exhibits the quintessential traits of Redon’s approach to Symbolism, which often delved into the realm of dreams and the subconscious. The artwork presents a striking, almost floating, profile of a face enclosed within a circular, cell-like boundary. The countenance is cast in shadow, bearing a contemplative, perhaps introspective expression, and merges ineffably with the dark backdrop of the composition. The delicate gradations of light and texture realized through lithography lend a soft, ethereal quality to the face, potentially symbolizing the transient nature of thought and the elusive corners of the human mind. The overall aura of the work is one of poignant mystery, inviting viewers to ponder the unknown depths of human psyche and spirituality.
