The Gothic Window 1900

Odilon Redon, a French artist working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, created this evocative painting, seemingly titled “The Gothic Window.” Redon was working during a period of great change, when traditional religious beliefs were being questioned and challenged. Here, the window, a traditional symbol of religious faith, is obscured and re-imagined. The flowers are brightly coloured, which is in stark contrast to the somber dress of the woman. What might this tell us? Is Redon commenting on the changing role of women in society, or the place of religion? To understand Redon’s work fully, we need to look at the cultural and intellectual currents of his time, consulting historical sources and critical analyses. Only then can we fully appreciate the rich social context of his art.