Lady Macbeth 1898

"Lady Macbeth" (1898), a pastel work by French symbolist artist Odilon Redon, depicts the titular character from Shakespeare's play. The figure is rendered in an ethereal, almost spectral manner, enveloped in a fiery red gown against a muted blue background, her expression enigmatic and haunting. The use of soft, blended pastel creates a dreamlike atmosphere, characteristic of Redon's exploration of the subconscious and the relationship between reality and illusion. The single candle held by Lady Macbeth casts a warm glow, symbolizing her inner turmoil and the dark deeds she has committed. Redon's work reflects the Symbolist movement's fascination with the psychological depths of human experience.