Animals of the Bottom of the Sea 

Odilon Redon created "Animals of the Bottom of the Sea" using pastel and charcoal to create a dream-like vision of the ocean depths. This work reflects the Symbolist movement's interest in exploring the inner world of dreams and imagination, offering a retreat from the industrialized world. Made in France, the artwork's style is influenced by the scientific exploration that characterized the late 19th century. As a result, the artwork is a phantasmagorical interpretation of marine biology. Redon was part of a Parisian intellectual circle that included scientists and writers, and his art reflects his fascination with the natural world. The image challenges the traditional academic art that was favored by the Parisian institutions. To better understand this piece, researching Redon's peers and influences, the scientific and artistic debates of the time, will help us see it as a product of its cultural moment. Understanding art as a reflection of social and institutional forces helps us appreciate its meaning within history.