The artwork titled “Portrait of Madame Arthur Fontaine” was created by artist Odilon Redon in 1901. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 72 by 56 centimeters and is a work of the Symbolism movement. This portrait genre artwork captures the likeness and essence of Madame Arthur Fontaine.
In the portrait, the figure of Madame Arthur Fontaine is depicted with a soft, almost ethereal quality. The subject is seated, engrossed in reading what appears to be a book or a large sheet of paper. Her attire consists of a yellow dress with intricate details and decorations. The rendering is such that her dress seamlessly blends into the mystifying background, accentuating her silhouette. This color scheme creates a harmonious blend between the subject and her surroundings.
The background features a dreamlike array of flowers and foliage with a blend of blues, whites, and greens that evoke a sense of tranquility and otherworldliness. The use of light and shade, as well as the handling of the medium, contributes to the overall softness of the composition, which is characteristic of Redon’s work within the Symbolism movement. The brushwork is delicate, allowing for a luminous effect that gives the scene a certain depth and texture. Redon’s masterful use of color and form elevates this portrait beyond mere representation to embody the Symbolist interest in evoking emotion and exploring the psychological undercurrents of the subject portrayed.
