The Chariot of Apollo

Art Historical Context

Odilon Redon's *The Chariot of Apollo* (1905–16), an oil on canvas measuring 26 x 32 inches, transports viewers to the realm of classical mythology. Depicting the sun god Apollo hurtling across the sky in his divine chariot, drawn by powerful horses, the painting evokes the ancient Greek legend of Helios (later syncretized with Apollo) who daily traverses the heavens, bringing light and warmth to the world. Acquired as an anonymous gift in 1927, it resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Paintings department. A master of Symbolism, Redon (1840–1916) crafted dreamlike visions that blurred reality and imagination. This late-career work marks his shift from brooding charcoal "noirs" and pastels to vibrant oils, where luminous colors and soft forms convey ethereal mystery. The oil medium allows for rich, glowing textures that mimic the sky's expanse and the chariot's fiery motion, heightening the sense of cosmic wonder. Redon's fascination with Apollo—god of poetry, music, and prophecy—reflects Symbolism's emphasis on inner spirituality over literal depiction. Gaze upon it to feel the thrill of divine flight, a timeless reminder of humanity's awe for the celestial.

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...