Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Armor," painted by Odilon Redon in 1891, is a work steeped in both mystery and symbolism, reflecting the artist's unique place within the Symbolist movement. The painting depicts a suit of medieval armor, but not in the traditional heroic or glorified sense often seen in Romantic art. Instead, Redon imbues the armor with an ethereal, almost spectral quality that invites viewers to ponder its deeper meaning.

The armor itself is rendered in a highly detailed, almost meticulous manner, possessing a luminous, silvery sheen that contrasts with the darker, almost shadowy background. The figure inside the armor is absent, replaced by an enigmatic, ghost-like presence that seems to float within the confines of the steel suit. This absence of a human figure imbues the armor with a life of its own, a common theme in Redon's work that marries the real with the surreal.

The background is kept intentionally obscure, engulfed in darkness and vague forms that suggest an unclear setting. This ambiguous backdrop adds to the painting's dreamlike quality, in keeping with the themes of mystery and the otherworldly characteristic of Symbolism.

Odilon Redon (1840-1916) was a French symbolist painter, printmaker, draughtsman, and pastellist. He's celebrated for his visionary works that explore the realms of dreams, fantasy, and the unconscious mind. Redon's work is often a fascinating blend of natural observation and imaginative interpretation, heavily influenced by literature, philosophy, and his own introspective nature.

"Armor (1891)" by Odilon Redon is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago. The museum's comprehensive collection of Redon's works is a testament to his significant impact on the art world and offers visitors a deep insight into his unique vision.

The year 1891 situates this painting firmly within Redon's mature phase when he had fully embraced the Symbolist movement. This movement was characterized by a focus on conveying absolute truths symbolically, often through the use of metaphoric imagery, and was a reaction against the logic and materialism of the naturalist and realist movements.

Redon's "Armor" can be interpreted as a reflection of the Symbolist ethos. The empty suit of armor might symbolize the notion of protection and vulnerability, a shell devoid of the spirit it is meant to safeguard. This dichotomy aligns with Redon's fascination with the unseen and the spiritual essence of things, as opposed to their mere physical presence.

- Technique: Redon was known for his exquisite use of both black and color, and although "Armor" is more subdued in its palette, his handling of light and shadow is masterful. The way he delineates the metallic sheen of the armor against the shadowy background showcases his technical prowess.
- Influence: Redon's work, including this painting, influenced later movements such as Surrealism, due to his forays into depicting the unconscious mind and dream states.
- Legacy: "Armor" exemplifies Redon's ability to create works that transcend simple visual representation, inviting viewers into a contemplative space where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the mundane turns into a conduit for the spiritual and the mysterious.

In summary, "Armor (1891)" is a captivating example of Odilon Redon's Symbolist approach, blending the real with the intangible, and it remains a significant work for understanding the depth of his artistic vision and contribution to the movement.