Captive Pegasus 1889

"Captive Pegasus" (1889) is a lithograph by Odilon Redon, renowned for his symbolist works that blended realism with dreamlike imagery. The artwork portrays the head of a Pegasus, a mythical winged horse, in a subdued and melancholic style, conveying a sense of confinement and longing. The dark, shadowy contours and the creature's lowered head create an atmosphere of mystery and introspective contemplation, highlighting Redon's exploration of the subconscious and the boundaries of reality. This piece is a prime example of Redon's signature "black" period, a style he developed in the 1880s that emphasized the use of black charcoal and lithographic techniques to create moody, evocative scenes. "Captive Pegasus" can be seen at the Art Institute of Chicago, a major art museum with an extensive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Symbolist art.