Orpheus
Odilon Redon (French, 1840–1916)
c. 1903–10
Medium
pastel on brown paper
Dimensions
{"sheet":{"height":0.688,"width":0.568}}
Classification
Drawing
Department
Drawings
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift from J. H. Wade
Accession Number
1926.25
Tags
male
About this artwork
Drawn in vivid layers of pastel crayon, this work depicts the head of the poet and musician Orpheus. The story of the god of music, whose music carried on after his death through his lyre and head, fascinated Redon, who related to Orpheus's dedication to his art. The subject also aligned with Redon's broader interest in dreams and spirituality around this time and he represented Orpheus several times throughout his career, in various media. Here, the god's head floats as if in stasis while Mount...