L’Aile (The Wing) (1893)

Artist: Odilon RedonOdilon Redon, a master of Symbolist art, invites viewers into a realm of poetic dreams with his hauntingly beautiful work titled "L’Aile" (The Wing). Crafted in 1893, this lithograph is a stunning representation of Redon’s exploration into the obscure and the fantastical.The piece features a surreal figure, appearing as a hybrid between a horse and a human, crowned with what seems to be a diadem. This anthropomorphic creature has a plaintive, elongated face that dominates the composition, giving it an otherworldly aura. The most striking element, the large, feathered wing, unfolds from the figure, suggesting might and majesty, yet imbued with a somber tone that evokes a sense of melancholy.The background of the work is minimally detailed, pushing the viewer’s focus towards the central figure and its wing. The gentle gradients of dark tones resonate with the themes of mystery and the unknown, characteristic of Redon’s works. The ethereal quality of the drawing, achieved through the soft lithographic texture, enhances the dreamlike and mystical atmosphere of the image."L’Aile" is a profound meditation on the nature of being and transformation. Redon uses the motif of the wing, often symbolizing freedom and ascent, juxtaposed with the grounding presence of the equine form, to explore themes of identity and existential longing.