Hideous Larvae 1896

Odilon Redon created this lithograph, “Hideous Larvae”, exploring themes of the grotesque and the surreal. Dominating the composition is the image of larvae, symbols often associated with decay, transformation, and the hidden aspects of life. Consider how such motifs appear throughout history, echoing in medieval demonology or in ancient myths where metamorphosis blurs the line between beast and human. Take, for instance, the image of larvae and demons which has evolved from symbols of primal fear in the Middle Ages to more complex representations of psychological turmoil during Redon’s time. These are potent symbols engaging our subconscious, tapping into primal fears and anxieties. The use of larvae isn't merely a depiction of physical forms; it is a window into our collective fears, continually resurfacing in art across different eras. They remind us of the cyclical nature of existence, where destruction paves the way for renewal, reflecting our deepest psychological struggles and transformations.