Provenance
The artist to his son, Ari Redon [according to old label previously on the back of the frame]. Sold by Chester H. Johnson Galleries, Chicago, to Walter Brewster (1872-1954), Chicago, October 27, 1926 [invoice]; bequeathed by his wife, Kate L. Brewster (c. 1879-1947), to the Art Institute, 1950.
Accession Number
68418
Medium
Pastel on pale blue wove paper faded to gray
Dimensions
44.8 × 30.8 cm (17 11/16 × 12 3/16 in.)
Classification
pastel
Credit Line
Bequest of Kate L. Brewster
Background & Context
Background Story
Odilon Redon's Portrait of Ari Redon (c. 1898) is a pastel on pale blue wove paper depicting the artist's son. Redon's family portraits show a tenderness that contrasts with his mysterious noirs. The pastel medium allows for soft, luminous colors that capture childhood's delicacy.
Cultural Impact
Redon's family portraits reveal a more personal side of the symbolist artist.
Why It Matters
This pastel portrait of Redon's son captures childhood tenderness with luminous color.
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