The Chariot of Apollo
Odilon Redon, 1905–16
About this artwork
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.