“Profile in an Arch” is a pastel on paper artwork created by artist Odilon Redon in 1905. This portrait is a representative example of the Symbolism art movement and measures 63 by 53 centimeters. It is distinguished by its ethereal quality and use of vibrant colors.
The artwork showcases a profile portrait of a figure within an arch, which adds architectural detail and frames the subject. The figure’s serene and thoughtful expression is executed with soft, delicate lines that complement the dreamlike atmosphere of the portrait. A muted palette of blues, greens, and subtle earth tones imbue the artwork with an otherworldly essence, exemplary of Redon’s exploration into the realm of fantasy and imagination.
Upon closer inspection, the background is suffused with a harmonious blend of colors, swirling around undefined shapes and forms that suggest a florid dreamscape. The subject gazes into this enigmatic space, perhaps symbolizing contemplation of the unknown or the inner psyche. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the pastel medium, creates a unique texture and depth, further enhancing the mystical ambiance of the piece.
Redon’s work, including this piece, often delves into the intangible and the symbolic. In “Profile in an Arch,” the merger of the real with the surreal invites viewers to interpret the piece beyond its visual aesthetics, searching for deeper symbolic meaning as typically encouraged by the Symbolist movement.
