Ex-libris 1893

Odilon Redon made this Ex-libris print using etching, a traditional printmaking method. It involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The delicate lines you see result from this process, creating subtle tonal variations. Redon was working at a time when printmaking was becoming increasingly democratized, moving from a purely reproductive medium to one of artistic expression. The image itself—a melancholic face in profile—lends itself well to the intimacy of a bookplate, its texture and tonality adding depth. What's interesting is how Redon used a relatively traditional technique to create something so intensely personal and dreamlike, defying the usual sharp lines and clarity associated with commercial printing. Ultimately, Redon's mastery lies in his ability to infuse even a functional object with profound emotion, highlighting how technique and artistic vision can converge to elevate the everyday into the extraordinary.