The artwork titled “Portrait of Genevieve de Gonet as a Child,” created by Odilon Redon in 1907, is an exemplary piece from the Symbolism art movement. Employing the medium of pastel on paper, Redon crafted a portrait that captures the essence of the genre, focusing on the symbolic rather than the literal representation of the subject. The artwork is presently held in a private collection, indicating that it is not on public display.
The portrait depicts a young child with an introspective gaze that engages the viewer. The subject’s curly hair frames the face, offering a striking contrast to the delicate features and fair complexion. Redon’s use of pastel creates a softness that is characteristic of his approach during his later, more colorful period. The background is an ethereal concoction of muted colors and abstract floral elements, which seem to echo the dreamy qualities often associated with Symbolist art. These elements blend together to portray an image that is both otherworldly and intimate, encapsulating the unique style and sensibilities of Odilon Redon.
