Greek mythology tells of Princess Andromeda, daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiope, who was bound to a stone to be devoured by Poseidon’s sea monster, Cetus, as a punishment by the gods.
In Odilon Redon’s Andromeda, we find her standing bare, chained at wrist and ankle, as the monster’s tentacles begin to emerge from the sea.
Framed in a painted Gothic arch, the dramatic moment is contrasted by pastel colors and lined with soft flowers.
The loose brush marks, the color palette, as well as the blossoms and clouds drifting through the composition, were signatures of Redon’s later, more decorative work.
After years of creating black and white charcoal drawings and lithographs of morbid, fantastical creatures — which Redon called “noirs” — he transitioned toward a colorful practice, often painting floral still lifes using pastels and oils.
Despite these two distinct paths, Redon was fascinated by dream and the subconscious his entire life — combining interpretations of literature, mythology, spirituality, and biology.
“Fantasy is the messenger of the unconscious, of the very eminent and mysterious personage,” wrote Redon. “Everything is dominated by the precious caprice of that unknown.” A conviction that would inspire movements like Dada and Surrealism.
Redon’s Andromeda fuses these influences and techniques into a dream-like environment.
Andromeda’s story has been told many times through plays, poetry, music, and film.
In his version, Redon chose a tensely dramatic moment: just before her supposed demise.
Yet, through soft color, decorative motifs, and a large amount of sky, the scene’s mood is transformed, and the arrival of Perseus on his winged horse is anticipated: the hero will slay the sea monster and carry Andromeda away.
