A Woman Clothed With the Sun, plate 6 of 12 1899

This lithograph by Odilon Redon, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a woman bathed in radiant light. The title itself, 'A Woman Clothed With the Sun,' evokes the biblical figure from the Book of Revelation, a symbol of the Church, of purity, and of the divine feminine. Consider how this motif has journeyed through time. From ancient solar deities to Renaissance Madonnas encircled by halos, the association of light with holiness and power is a recurring theme in human expression. Redon, however, presents us with a figure shrouded in mystery. The dark background, contrasted with the brilliant light, hints at the complex interplay between the conscious and subconscious. The upward reaching arms can be seen echoed through time, from ancient Egyptian art to Christian iconography. This gesture transcends mere representation; it embodies a longing for transcendence. Perhaps, buried within our collective psyche, there is an innate yearning to connect with a higher power. A primal scream made manifest in art. The emotional power of this archetypal image lies in its ability to resonate with our deepest fears and hopes, engaging us on a level that defies rational explanation. Redon taps into something ancient.