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

Visual Description:

Odilon Redon’s “Etruscan Vase with Flowers” encapsulates the ethereal beauty and delicate charm characteristic of his later works in the early 20th century. The composition centers around an elegantly rendered Etruscan vase filled with an exuberant bouquet of flowers. The vase, painted with meticulous attention to its classical details and ornamental design, sits gracefully against a soft, muted background, which seems to dissolve into a dreamlike haze.

The flowers themselves are a symphony of colors, with richly hued blossoms in shades of red, pink, yellow, and blue, interspersed with tender green leaves. This riot of floral vibrancy contrasts delicately with the understated, earth-toned vase, creating a harmonious balance. The petals and leaves seem to have a diaphanous quality, almost as if they are floating, lending the painting an otherworldly, almost mystical atmosphere.

Redon employs his masterful use of pastels and charcoal to achieve a soft, luminous quality, where light and color blend seamlessly. The painterly strokes and the ethereal blending of colors reflect his Symbolist leanings, evoking a sense of poetry and reverie. The overall ambiance of the painting is serene, inviting the viewer into a meditative contemplation of beauty and nature.

Artist Background and Style:

Odilon Redon (1840-1916) was a French symbolist painter, printmaker, draughtsman, and pastellist. Redon’s work represents an essential link between the waning Romantic Movement and the burgeoning Modernist sensibilities that would dominate the 20th century. His early works were often dark and mysterious, utilizing a monochromatic palette to explore themes of fantasy and the subconscious, highly influenced by visionary literature and his own inner world.

However, his style underwent a significant transformation in the latter part of his career, particularly around the turn of the century. From 1890 onwards, he adopted vibrant colors, embracing pastels and oils to create his now-famous floral compositions. This shift not only signified his exploration of joy and beauty but also marked his alignment with the Symbolist movement, where art was intertwined with mysticism and dreamscapes.

Historical and Artistic Context:

The painting “Etruscan Vase with Flowers” falls within this later period and is emblematic of Redon’s mature work. The choice of an Etruscan vase hints at an affinity for ancient and classical antiquity, drawing on the cultural and historical depth that such artifacts symbolize. The juxtaposition of the timeless vase with the lively, ephemeral flowers conjures a dialogue between permanence and transience, a recurring theme in Redon's oeuvre.

Provenance and Current Location:

“Etruscan Vase with Flowers” is held in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The painting is part of the collection bequeathed by Chester Dale and presents an important piece within Redon’s body of work that highlights his journey towards a more colorful and light-infused phase of his artistic career.

Conclusion:

“Etruscan Vase with Flowers” is a quintessential example of Odilon Redon’s later artistry, reflecting his Symbolist ideals and fascination with color and light. The harmonious blend of ancient and natural elements invites the viewer into a serene, contemplative state, showcasing Redon’s unique ability to evoke emotion and thought through his distinctive style.