The Chariot of Apollo (1905–16)

Odilon Redon's "The Chariot of Apollo" masterfully captures the mysticism and ethereal beauty characteristic of his works, enveloping viewers in a dreamscape that oscillates between wakefulness and myth. Crafted between 1905 and 1916, this painting is a mesmerizing testament to Redon's transition from charcoal and pastel to the vibrant hues of oil paints.In this composition, Redon explores the mythological story of Apollo, the sun god, who drives his chariot across the sky to bring daylight to the world. The focal point is the four robust horses, painted in a dynamic swirl of motion that appears to lift them out of the clouds and into the vast, open sky. They possess an otherworldly glow, highlighting Redon's ability to convey divinity and raw power through subtle tones and shading.Tying the celestial beings to the earth is Apollo himself, presented as a shadowy, almost silhouetted figure at the reins of the chariot. Unlike traditional depictions of grandeur, Redon’s Apollo interacts with his surroundings, meshing with the clouds and ethereal blue sky, suggesting the intertwined nature of the divine and the natural world.The use of color in this painting is particularly notable for its dreamlike quality. The soft, soothing pastels merge seamlessly with the vibrant blues and hints of gold, suggesting the breaking dawn and the scattering of night's shadows.