"and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp." 1899

Curator: This is Odilon Redon’s “and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's remarkably unsettling. The texture created by the chine collé enhances the disturbing quality of the figures looming above the star. Curator: Redon created this piece, with its distinct dreamlike imagery, in the late 19th century, a time when anxieties around industrialization and societal change were deeply felt. This piece directly references the Book of Revelation and reflects the period's fascination with the apocalypse. Editor: The process is fascinating. The combination of the printmaking with the applied paper allows for subtle tonal variations. It begs the question, how did Redon source his materials and what was his studio practice? Curator: Examining Redon’s work through the lens of symbolism allows us to understand his exploration of the subconscious, reflecting broader cultural shifts in thinking about psychology and spirituality. Editor: Indeed, but I find myself more drawn to the physical act of creation here, the labor evident in those intricate lines and the way the paper itself becomes part of the narrative. Curator: A valuable consideration! This piece truly captures a sense of otherworldly dread. Editor: Agreed. The materiality amplifies the emotional impact.