Béatrice

Art Historical Context

Odilon Redon's *Béatrice* (1897) is a captivating color lithograph that exemplifies the artist's shift from his earlier monochromatic "Noirs" to vibrant, dreamlike visions in the Symbolist tradition. Created during the fin-de-siècle era, when Symbolism sought to evoke mystery, spirituality, and the subconscious, Redon drew inspiration from literary muses like Dante's Beatrice—here rendered as an ethereal female figure amid swirling, otherworldly forms. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings department, this work measures 33.6 × 29.6 cm on delicate cream China paper, laid down on ivory wove for preservation, highlighting its status as a prized impression. Redon's mastery of lithography shines through in his innovative use of yellow, green, and blue tones, applied in layered crayons and tusche to achieve soft, painterly transitions akin to pastel or watercolor. This technique elevated printmaking, allowing subtle gradations and luminous effects that blurred the line between graphic art and painting— a hallmark of his late-career experimentation. As a cultural touchstone, *Béatrice* reflects Symbolism's fascination with the feminine ideal and the unseen realms, inviting viewers into Redon's poetic universe. Its technical finesse and evocative power make it a gem for print enthusiasts, bridging 19th-century innovation with timeless allure.

About the Artist

Odilon Redon · 1840–1916

Odilon Redon (1840-1916) was a French Symbolist painter, printmaker, and pastellist whose visionary art bridged the 19th-century Symbolist movement and 20th-century Surrealism. Born Bertrand Redon in Bordeaux on April 20, 1840, he earned the nickname "Odilon" from his mother Odile. His father, who made his fortune in the Louisiana slave trade, conceived Odilon in New Orleans before the family retu...