The artwork titled “Intelligence was mine! I became the Buddha! (plate 12)” was crafted by the artist Odilon Redon in 1896. The medium employed for this piece is lithography on paper. Measuring 30.6 x 21.4 cm, it represents a work within the Symbolism movement, more specifically as a part of the “The Temptation of Saint Anthony” series. The genre it falls under is symbolic painting, where the artist conveys deeper philosophical messages through symbolic imagery.
In the artwork, an enigmatic figure is centrally positioned, gazing directly at the viewer with an intense and penetrating stare. The figure, rendered with soft, almost smoky lithographic tones, creates an aura of mystery and contemplation. The character appears to be seated, with an ethereal quality bestowed by the gentle, fading contours of the body, and delicate lines depicting the flowing garment. The background is purposefully subdued, allowing the figure’s haunting visage to dominate the composition. The figure’s elongated features and the overall somber atmosphere contribute to the impression of enlightenment and ascendance that is associated with the title’s reference to the Buddha. It is a poignant manifestation of Redon’s symbolist intentions, exploring themes of spirituality, inner consciousness, and the transcendence of the mortal realm.
