Battle 1865

Odilon Redon created this etching called 'Battle'. Born in 1840, Redon lived through a tumultuous period in French history, including the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune. These conflicts profoundly influenced his art. 'Battle' captures the chaos and brutality of warfare. The scene is rendered in stark blacks and whites, heightening the emotional intensity. Redon was known for his symbolist approach. He explored the inner world of dreams and emotions, but also the outer world as he knew it. There is a clear rejection of traditional heroic depictions, with fallen soldiers and rearing horses conveying a sense of futility. We can observe the deep sense of despair and disillusionment that characterized much of post-war European thought. The battles of the Franco Prussian war were being fought during the reconstruction of Paris. This print reflects a broader societal questioning of established narratives. It asks us to consider the human cost of conflict. It asks us to acknowledge the emotional weight that such events carry with them.