Les sciapodes... 19th-20th century

Curator: This is Odilon Redon's "Les sciapodes...", currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Whoa, it's intense! Makes me feel like I'm falling into some really dark, feathery abyss. Curator: Redon was quite interested in exploring dreamscapes and the subconscious. I'm struck by his use of lithography here—how he coaxes such rich textures and tones from the stone. Editor: Exactly! The way the lines coalesce to form this almost monstrous, yet strangely elegant, figure... It's captivating. Redon's obviously playing with form and perception. The labor involved makes the image almost visceral. Curator: There's a raw, almost unsettling quality to it, wouldn't you agree? It's a far cry from traditional academic painting, yet the craft is undeniable. Editor: Absolutely. For me, it evokes a sense of vulnerability and the unknown, while also prompting a sort of macabre humor. Fascinating work. Curator: Indeed, it offers insight into the cultural anxieties of the time and the evolving artistic landscape. Editor: Yes, a lingering, haunting piece.