Quasimodo c. 1875 - 1880

Odilon Redon made this drawing, Quasimodo, using charcoal, a humble material with a fascinating connection to labor. Think of charcoal's origin: wood, slowly burned down, transformed by heat. Redon masterfully uses this material to create a range of blacks and grays, building up shadowy forms with a soft, almost velvety texture. Notice how the figures emerge from the darkness, their expressions caught in a play of light and shadow. Charcoal is a direct medium. There is very little standing between the artist's hand and the paper; each stroke leaves its mark. In this image, the medium amplifies the sense of struggle and isolation in Victor Hugo's tragic character. Consider how the use of charcoal, with its inherent qualities of darkness and fragility, enhances the emotional weight of the subject matter. Ultimately, Redon elevates a common material through his artistry, imbuing charcoal with a depth of expression that transcends its simple origins.