And I Saw in the Right Hand of Him that Sat on the Throne a Book Written within and on the Backside, Sealed with Seven Seals - Odilon Redon

A haunting lithograph from Odilon Redon's 1899 Apocalypse series, capturing a visionary scene through atmospheric light and shadow.

This lithograph by Odilon Redon forms part of his 1899 series, L'Apocalypse de Saint-Jean. The work depicts a central, ethereal figure seated upon a throne, holding a book that bears the seven seals mentioned in the biblical text. Redon employs his characteristic use of lithographic crayon to create a soft, atmospheric quality, where light and shadow merge to suggest a realm beyond the physical world. The figure is draped in flowing garments that seem to dissolve into the surrounding darkness, while the architectural arch above provides a sense of enclosure. Redon was a central figure in the Symbolist movement, known for his exploration of dreams, the subconscious, and the fantastic. Unlike his contemporaries who focused on the objective observation of nature, Redon looked inward, using his medium to translate internal visions into visual form. The stark contrast between the luminous, ghostly central figure and the deep, velvety blacks of the background is a hallmark of his technical approach to lithography. By manipulating the texture of the stone, he achieved a range of grey tones that evoke a sense of mystery and spiritual weight. This print demonstrates Redon's ability to interpret literary and religious themes through a personal, subjective lens. The composition is balanced yet unsettling, drawing the viewer into a quiet, meditative space. The inclusion of the French text at the base of the print, taken directly from the Book of Revelation, anchors the image in its source material while allowing the visual elements to operate with a degree of ambiguity. It is a fine example of the artist's mastery over the lithographic process, showing how he could transform a flat surface into a space of depth and psychological resonance.