Odilon Redon: Le crucifix

Odilon Redon (1840-1916), Le crucifix, signed ‘ODILON REDON’ (lower right), pastel and black chalk on paper, 19 1/8 x 14 5/8 in. (48.7 x 37 cm.), Image Source: Christie’s

“Redon’s interpretations of the life and sacrifice of Christ contain elements of his liberal social outlook and generally underplay the traditional devotional aspect of such imagery. The present work is especially beautiful for its spiritual treatment of abstract elements in the composition. Interlocking vertical and horizontal forms frame the scene, and Christ is viewed half-length, emphasizing the interior drama of his suffering. The rainbow-like arc of light behind the cross represents the hope of salvation. The colours radiate forward from the rear of the composition in the way that light passes through stained glass. The overall effect is serenely contemplative; the picture seeks not inspire religious fervour, but to provide a balm for the troubled mind. ‘Redon identified Christ’s redemption of the fall with human evolution, representing the historical process of the race as at once a physical and spiritual process. He saw evolved intelligence as divine salvation’ (op. cit., p. 173″).”
READ FULL ESSAY: Christie’s

Odilon Redon at wikiwand

Fleur Roos Rosa de Carvalho, ‘Decorative panels’, in Odilon Redon
and Andries Bonger: 36 works from the Van Gogh Museum collection,
Amsterdam 2022, FREE PDF HERE