C’est moi, Jean, qui ai vu et qui ai oie ces choses (And I John saw these things and heard them (1899)

Welcome to our exploration of Odilon Redon’s evocative lithograph, "C’est moi, Jean, qui ai vu et qui ai oie ces choses" (1899). In this poignant work, the artist delves into a spiritual and introspective realm, presenting a portrait brimming with emotion and depth.The title, translated as "And I John saw these things and heard them," invites viewers into a personal encounter with the apostle John, known from the Biblical book of Revelation. Redon, masterful in his use of both darkness and light, uses delicate yet expressive lines to capture a moment of profound contemplation and spiritual revelation. The figure of John is depicted with a downward gaze, suggesting an inner focus or a moment of divine inspiration. His face is marked by soft shadows and gentle features, conveying a sense of wisdom and serenity.Redon’s art often explores themes of the mystical and the unseen, and this lithograph is no exception. Here, the textural richness of the lithographic technique adds to the ethereal quality of the image, allowing the spiritual and the tangible to intertwine. John’s flowing hair and the finely detailed textures of his clothing draw the viewer’s eye, encouraging a deeper look into the subtleties of the portrait.This piece is a beautiful representation of Redon’s symbolic and dreamlike approach to art, inviting contemplation and introspection.