The artwork titled “Pegasus and the Hydra” was crafted by the renowned artist Odilon Redon around 1907. It is a fine example of the Symbolism art movement and is categorized under mythological painting. The original piece is housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum located in Otterlo, Netherlands. This artwork is a vivid interpretation of classical mythological subjects, bringing forth a dreamlike and fantastical representation that is characteristic of Redon’s work and the Symbolist movement as a whole.
In “Pegasus and the Hydra,” the dramatic and intense hues of red and orange dominate the background, evoking a sense of dynamic energy and perhaps turmoil. These warm colors contrast with the cooler, darker tones used to depict the Hydra, a many-headed serpentine monster according to Greek mythology. In the lower part of the artwork, the Hydra’s form is visible with its various twisting heads and sharp teeth in a menacing display.
Dominating the composition is the figure of Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek legend, rendered with an elegant and ethereal presence. The wings are detailed with varying shades of green, which stand out against the fiery backdrop. Pegasus appears to rear up, possibly in the midst of battle against the fearsome Hydra, a scene likely inspired by the countless stories from ancient Greek mythology that have long stirred the imaginations of artists.
Redon’s technique is apparent in the soft brushstrokes and the blending of colors, creating a sense of movement and a dreamlike quality that is often sought after in Symbolist artwork. His use of contrasting colors and his interpretation of mythical creatures illustrate the inherent Symbolist interest in the mystical and the emotional expression that lies beyond the visible, everyday world.
