Death... 19th-20th century

Editor: So this is "Death..." by Odilon Redon, artist born in 1840. It has a surreal, almost nightmarish quality to it. What symbols do you see here? Curator: The figure rising from that dark swirl reminds me of ancient depictions of the soul’s journey after death. Notice the upward gaze—a universal symbol of hope or ascension. Redon often explored dream states; what might this figure be searching for? Editor: Perhaps a release from the darkness? Curator: Exactly! Redon used darkness as a way to explore the hidden corners of the psyche. This interplay suggests a deep emotional struggle, and an enduring visual metaphor for mortality itself. Editor: I never thought about how universally understood the upward gaze can be. Curator: Indeed, art is full of inherited symbolism. It’s fascinating to trace how these images evolve, isn’t it?