The artwork “Yachts at Royan” was created by the artist Odilon Redon in 1902, using the medium of pastel on paper. As a piece that can be classified within the Symbolism movement, the genre of this work is marina and it depicts a nautical scene. Currently, this artwork is part of a private collection, which suggests exclusivity in its ownership and display.
In terms of its visual characteristics, the artwork presents a serene maritime landscape, wherein several yachts with their sails unfurled are anchored at the harbor of Royan. The use of pastel creates a soft texture, imbuing the scene with a sense of quietude and subtle vibrancy. The color palette primarily features calming tones of blues, browns, and subtle oranges, evoking the warmth of a sunny day. The sails of the yachts are rendered with a sense of translucency, allowing the viewer to observe the masts and rigging through them, a testament to Redon’s skill in manipulating the medium to achieve desired visual effects. The boats are slightly abstracted, with gentle, sweeping lines suggesting movement and fluidity, common attributes of the Symbolist art movement which often emphasized emotions and ideas over realistic representation. The background of the marina and sky is hinted at with minimalistic detail, directing the viewer’s focus primarily to the elegant forms of the yachts themselves.
