Odilon Redon’s artwork, “Geraniums,” created in 1902, is a fine example of a flower painting rendered in pastel on paper. This work is notable for its realism, capturing the delicate beauty of the flowering plant. “Geraniums” measures 49.53 by 40.64 cm and is currently housed in a private collection. Unlike typical realism that focuses on depicting subjects accurately and without idealization, the artwork may also display a touch of the artist’s unique vision, which often leaned towards Symbolism and the capture of emotional and imaginative themes.
The artwork features a vividly portrayed pot of red geraniums. The pot itself is rendered in earthy browns, suggesting a simple terracotta vessel, and is positioned centrally at the lower part of the composition against a muted background. Standing out with their bright reds and touches of blue, the blooms offer a stark contrast to their surroundings, bringing them immediately to the viewer’s attention. The leaves of the geranium display various shades of green and are depicted with a level of detail that emphasizes their natural form. The pastel medium allows for soft texturing, particularly visible in the portrayal of the pot and foliage, providing a sense of depth and realism to the piece. Light appears to come from the left-hand side, casting subtle shadows and enhancing the three-dimensional impression of the potted geraniums. Overall, Redon’s “Geraniums” captures the simple beauty of nature with a delicate yet expressive touch.
