The artwork, titled “The Doge’s Wife,” is by Odilon Redon and dates to circa 1900. This portrait is an exemplar of the Symbolism art movement and is currently held in a private collection. As a Symbolist work, it likely seeks to evoke emotions or ideas through metaphorical and suggestive imagery rather than direct representation.
In this artwork, Redon presents a figure in profile view, which is identified as the Doge’s wife, a reference that might evoke associations with the historical leadership of Venice. The color palette is warm, dominated by earthy tones with bursts of vibrant reds and blues that adorn what seems to be the subject’s attire. The portrait conveys a sense of introspection as the Doge’s wife is turned away from the viewer, emphasizing her status and potential inner life rather than her external features.
The brushwork varies across the portrait, creating a juxtaposition of detailed elements with more abstract forms. The background is dim, bringing the figure into focus, while also contributing to the aura of mystery and contemplation that Symbolist artists often sought to capture. Redon’s work might also allude to the unseen psychological or spiritual dimensions of the subject, a common theme in the Symbolist movement.
