The Boat (Virgin with Corona) 1897

"The Boat (Virgin with Corona)" is a 1897 pastel on paper work by French symbolist artist Odilon Redon. It depicts a shadowy figure, crowned with a halo, in a boat, bathed in a dark blue, almost ethereal, light. The boat rests on an equally dark, deep blue water, with a pink cloud in the sky that provides a contrast to the prevailing darkness. This piece, currently housed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, exemplifies Redon's characteristic blend of realism and symbolism, often exploring themes of dreams and the subconscious. The painting is a fascinating example of symbolist art with its enigmatic imagery and evocative color palette.