A striking lithograph from Odilon Redon's 1899 Apocalypse series, capturing a biblical scene through the artist's signature use of shadow and ethereal form.

This lithograph is part of the Apocalypse de Saint-Jean, a series of twelve plates produced by Odilon Redon in 1899. The work depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation, where an angel emerges from the heavenly temple carrying a sickle. Redon, a central figure in the Symbolist movement, moved away from the objective representation of the natural world to explore the internal realms of dreams, memory, and the subconscious. In this composition, the artist employs his characteristic use of lithographic ink to create a stark contrast between light and shadow. The angel is rendered with ethereal, soft lines, while the surrounding space is filled with dense, dark textures that suggest a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere. The figure holds a large, curved sickle, a traditional symbol of harvest and mortality, which cuts across the lower portion of the frame. The ambiguity of the background, combined with the solemn expression of the angel, invites the viewer to contemplate the spiritual and apocalyptic themes inherent in the biblical text. Redon was known for his mastery of black and white media, which he referred to as his 'noirs'. He believed that these monochromatic works allowed for a greater degree of imaginative freedom than colour. By manipulating the grain of the lithographic stone, he achieved a range of tones that evoke a sense of quiet intensity. This print demonstrates his ability to translate complex literary and religious narratives into visual forms that remain open to personal interpretation. The work is a fine example of late nineteenth-century French printmaking, reflecting the period's interest in mysticism and the psychological depth of artistic expression.