Une femme revêtue du Soleil (A woman clothed with the sun)

About this artwork

Odilon Redon's *Une femme revêtue du* (A Woman Clothed with the Sun), created in 1899 draws its evocative title from the Book of Revelation in the Bible depicting a mystical figure symbolizing divine femininity, apocalypse, or cosmic mystery. As a leading Symbolist artist, Red masterfully blended dreamlike fantasy with spiritual introspection during the fin-de-siècle era, a time when artists sought to evoke emotions and the unseen realms beyond realism. This lithograph captures his early mastery of monochromatic "noirs"—haunting black-and-white works that preceded his vibrant pastels and oils. Printed in black on chine collé—a refined technique adhering delicate Chinese paper to a sturdy support for subtle tonal gradations—the 28.9 x 23 cm print exemplifies lithography's intimacy and precision. Redon's soft, atmospheric lines conjure ethereal forms, inviting viewers into a poetic reverie. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosenwald Collection, it highlights his innovative printmaking, bridging 19th-century Romanticism and modern abstraction. This intimate piece remains a testament to Redon's ability to infuse profound symbolism into modest formats, offering museum visitors a glimpse into the soulful visions that captivated turn-of-the-century audiences.