Pansies c. 1905

Odilon Redon made this pastel drawing of Pansies sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century, and right away I’m drawn into its dreamy color scheme. The bright yellows, blues, and greens of the flowers pop against the brown paper, creating a sense of vibrancy. Looking closely, you can see how Redon used the pastel sticks to build up layers of color. The strokes feel soft and velvety, almost like he’s caressing the surface. The edges are blurred, which adds to the dreamy quality. The vase looks like it was drawn quickly with a thick dark line in an almost abstract manner. The whole thing makes me think of other artists like Gustave Moreau and the Symbolists, who were interested in exploring the inner world of dreams and emotions. And, like any good artwork, "Pansies" leaves plenty of room for interpretation, reminding us that art is an ongoing conversation across time.