Enigma 1892

Odilon Redon created this etching, called Enigma, using black ink on paper. Redon emerged during the Symbolist movement of the late 19th century, an era marked by industrialization and rapid social change. Redon, like other Symbolist artists, turned inward, exploring the realm of dreams, the unconscious, and the mysterious aspects of human experience. His works often feature enigmatic figures, unsettling juxtapositions, and a sense of psychological depth. We can see that here, with a somber and mysterious scene that is set against a pale background. Looking closer, we can see that Redon has employed a dense and complex configuration of shadowy forms. The human head seems to float and morphs into other ethereal shapes. Redon himself said that his drawings "inspire and cannot be defined." With Enigma, Redon confronts us with the intangible aspects of human existence. It serves as a reminder of the power of art to evoke the unseen.