Odilon Redon, 1840-1916

Odilon Redon's fantastic imagery, evoking the workings of the unconscious mind, has often seemed to be more closely aligned with the art of the 20th century than that of the 19th. Yet his highly symbolic visions of a dreamlike world have remained enigmatic and frequently misunderstood. Published as the catalogue for the first major retrospective exhibition of Redon's work in the Royal Academy, London in February 1995 (previously shown at the Art Institute of Chicago), this book explores Redon's life and work in full detail. Re-shaping our understanding of this intriguing artist and his career, seven prominent experts place Redon in the context of his own time by analysing his relationship to the literary, scientific and cultural developments of the late 19th century. They offer a wide-ranging discussion of his literary and visual influences and sources, incorporating important new documentary material. The authors include Douglas Druick who is the Searle Curator of European Painting and Prince Trust Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Art Institute of Chicago; Peter Kort Zegers, Research Curator at the Art Institute of Chicago; Gloria Groom, Assistant Curator of European Painting at the Art Institute of Chicago; Fred Leeman, Chief Curator at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam; Kevin Sharp, Exhibition Co-ordinator at the Art Institute of Chicago; Mary Anne Stevens, Librarian and Head of Education at the Royal Academy of Arts, London; and Harriet K. Straus, Associate Conservator at the Art Institute of Chicago.