I have sometimes seen in the sky what seemed like forms of spirits (plate 21) 1896

Curator: Odilon Redon’s lithograph, “I have sometimes seen in the sky what seemed like forms of spirits (plate 21)," created in 1896, offers us a glimpse into the artist's dreamlike inner world. Editor: My immediate impression is one of haunting ambiguity; the composition is dominated by swirling, undefined forms that suggest an ethereal or even nightmarish realm. Curator: Indeed. Redon was deeply interested in the power of suggestion, and his use of lithography allowed him to create rich tonal gradations. If you notice, this effect produces a sense of movement and mutability. The spectral entities almost seem to be coalescing from the darkness itself. Editor: Tell me more. How does this align with Redon’s place within the Symbolist movement? I see a clear rejection of Naturalism and Impressionism—embracing subjectivity over direct observation. Curator: Precisely. Redon sought to represent inner states of being through visual symbols. The recurring motif of ghostly figures floating in nebulous spaces invites us to consider themes such as mortality, spirituality, and the power of the imagination. And, although his work predates Surrealism, there is no denying its importance as one of the cornerstones of the avant-garde movement. Editor: Considering Redon's context helps illuminate his symbolism; these forms weren't arbitrary but likely derived from contemporary ideas regarding the occult, spirituality, and psychological exploration gaining momentum during the fin de siècle period. It is hard not to consider its impact, even inspiration, of the symbolist and post-symbolist movement. Curator: Absolutely, it is that interplay between personal experience and shared cultural anxieties that renders his work so compelling and historically significant. This truly speaks to Redon's power in evoking that sense of profound uncertainty within each of us. Editor: The power of suggestion, indeed. This lithograph proves how even undefined forms can stir deeply felt, though perhaps difficult to fully articulate, emotions.