C’est le Diable 1888

Odilon Redon made this lithograph, titled 'C’est le Diable', using a stone matrix and greasy crayon. This method allowed Redon to create a rich, velvety blackness that seems to emanate from the Devil's figure, dominating the image. Look at the sharp contrast between light and shadow – a hallmark of lithography - used to define the ambiguous forms he carries, perhaps representing the seven deadly sins. The grainy texture, achieved by the way the crayon interacts with the stone, adds to the image's haunting quality. This process, which requires skilled hand work in both drawing and printing, results in multiple impressions, bringing art within reach of a wider audience. Redon elevates what might be considered a commercial technique to the realm of fine art, proving that true artistry lies not just in the subject matter but also in the thoughtful manipulation of materials and processes.