“The Marsh Flower, a Sad Human Head” is a notable work by the artist Odilon Redon created in 1885. This work is executed in the medium of lithography on paper and is a prime exemplar of the Symbolism art movement, characterized by its evocative and suggestive use of imagery. The artwork’s dimensions are 27.5 x 20.5 cm and it belongs to the “Homage to Goya” series. The genre of the artwork is symbolic painting, and at present, it is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork presents a stark juxtaposition between the organic and the human, depicting a humanoid face emerging from the petals of a marsh flower. The face is delicately rendered and appears to be intertwined with the floral form, creating a seamless integration of the two elements. The expression on the face is imbued with a deep sense of melancholy, which is further emphasized by the surrounding darkness of the marsh-like background. This melding of a human head with a flower attributes a surreal characteristic to the piece, evoking themes of nature, human emotion, and the metaphysical. The portrait’s hauntingly pensive gaze appears to engage viewers in an introspective dialogue, stimulating a contemplation on the interconnection between humans and the natural world.
