Les Sciapodes: La tete le plus bas possible, c'est le secret du bonheur! (The Skiapods: "The head as low as possible, that is the secret of happiness!") 1889

Odilon Redon created this lithograph titled “Les Skiapodes” to explore themes relevant to the Symbolist movement. During Redon's time, the rise of industrialization led artists to turn inward, exploring the realms of dreams, the unconscious, and the macabre. The image of the Skiapod—a mythical being with one large foot—emerges from Redon’s charcoal strokes, embodying a sense of alienation and introspection. The single foot becomes both a means of support and a symbol of solitude. The artwork prompts us to consider the relationship between the individual and society, suggesting that true happiness may lie in detachment. Redon uses the mythical figure to comment on contemporary society, where conformity often stifles individual expression. The image resonates with the feelings of isolation that many experience, and it encourages us to reconsider what truly brings fulfillment.