The artwork “Portrait of Madame Redon Embroidering” is an exquisite pastel on paper portrait crafted by the artist Odilon Redon in 1880. This piece is emblematic of the Symbolism movement, and it measures 58 by 42 centimeters. The portrait, which belongs to the genre of portrait paintings, is currently housed in the esteemed collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork portrays Madame Redon, the artist’s wife, engaged in the delicate and attentive act of embroidery. The immediate impression is one of intimate domesticity and tranquility, with a focus on the subject’s downcast face and the movement of her hands as they engage in the meticulous task. Her face is rendered with a profound sense of concentration and grace, capturing a moment of private contemplation and serenity.
In terms of style, the pastel medium has allowed Redon to build a rich tapestry of colors and textures that contrast with the soft, subtle tones used to depict the sitter’s features and hands. The background is a hazy amalgamation of warm colors, which serves to highlight the subject and her activity without distracting from the central figure. The choice of color and light gives the artwork a dreamlike quality that is characteristic of Symbolist works, aiming to evoke an emotional rather than a literal interpretation.
Masterfully, Redon captures the essence of his wife’s character and her engagement with her hobby, revealing not only her outer appearance but also hinting at the inner life and peaceful solitude that the act of embroidering provides her. This portrait is a testament to the artist’s skill in conveying the subjective and ephemeral nature of human experience, a true hallmark of Symbolism.
