The artwork entitled “Profile” is a creation by Odilon Redon, a renowned artist associated with the Symbolist movement. This portrait is executed in oil on cardboard, embodying the ethereal and introspective qualities characteristic of Symbolism. Though its current location is within a private collection, its influence spans beyond its physical confines, resonating with the concepts of the subconscious and the exploration of emotion that are central to the Symbolist ethos.
In examining the artwork, one notices a dreamlike portrayal of a profile, seemingly emerging from a vibrant and fluid background. The strokes are loose and expressive, conjuring a sense of movement around the central figure, whose features are rendered with gentle simplicity. A spectrum of blue hues dominates the central figure, while an array of warmer tones and contrasting greens dance in the surrounding space. Rather than adhering to photorealistic representation, the artwork captures the essence of a profile through color and form, inviting viewers to delve into a world of introspection and personal symbolism.
