A striking lithograph from Odilon Redon's 1899 Apocalypse series, capturing a surreal, atmospheric interpretation of a biblical scene.

This lithograph is part of the Apocalypse de Saint-Jean series, a collection of twelve plates produced by Odilon Redon in 1899. The work draws its subject from the Book of Revelation, specifically chapter 14, verse 17. Redon, a central figure in the Symbolist movement, moved away from the objective observation of the natural world to explore the internal realms of dreams, memory, and the subconscious. In this composition, the artist employs a mastery of lithographic technique to create a stark contrast between light and shadow. The figure of the angel is rendered with delicate, ethereal lines, standing in profile against a dark, textured background. The sickle, a traditional symbol of the harvest and mortality, is depicted with a heavy, curved form that anchors the lower portion of the image. The surrounding space is filled with ambiguous, shadowy forms that suggest a celestial or otherworldly environment, typical of Redon's 'noirs' period. Redon's approach to this biblical narrative avoids literal illustration. Instead, he focuses on the psychological weight of the scene. The angel appears calm and detached, a silent observer of the impending harvest. The texture of the lithographic stone allows for a range of tones, from the deep, velvety blacks of the background to the soft, luminous whites of the angel's robes. This print demonstrates the artist's ability to imbue traditional religious iconography with a personal, dreamlike quality. The composition is balanced, yet the presence of the dark, abstract forms creates a sense of unease and mystery. It remains a significant example of late nineteenth-century French printmaking, reflecting the period's interest in the intersection of literature, religion, and the subjective experience of the artist.