Odilon Redon’s “Woman in Profile under a Gothic Arch,” a pastel on paper created around 1907, is a quintessential work of the Symbolist movement. As a portrait genre artwork, it is currently housed in the esteemed Kunsthaus Zürich in Switzerland. The artwork stands as a testament to Redon’s unique vision that melds personal expression with mystical and dream-like elements, characteristic of Symbolism.
The artwork depicts a profile view of a woman set against a luxuriant background rich in floral motifs and an intricate mosaic of blue hues. The subject’s face embodies a serene and introspective mood, with soft features that delicately merge with the artwork’s dreamy essence. The woman’s attire consists of a dark blue garment with a vibrant red accent at the collar, creating a stark contrast to the serene blue backdrop. The floral elements near the woman, possibly chrysanthemums, provide both a naturalistic element and a symbolic undercurrent, as flowers often held much significance in Symbolist art.
Dappled with an array of light and shadow, and employing a color palette that seems to evoke the juxtaposition of reality and fantasy, Redon’s pastel work invites contemplation. The Gothic arch from which the artwork takes its title frames the upper portion of the composition, anchoring the ethereal imagery to a structure synonymous with medieval architecture and the spiritual connotations tied to it.
In its entirety, “Woman in Profile under a Gothic Arch” celebrates the ethereal and the enigmatic, engaging viewers in a silent dialogue between the visible world and that which transcends it. Its placement in the Kunsthaus Zürich ensures that it remains accessible for public appreciation, continuing to intrigue and captivate audiences with its Symbolist charm.
