And the Angel Took the Censer - Odilon Redon

A haunting lithograph by Odilon Redon, depicting an angel with a censer, rendered in the artist's signature dreamlike, atmospheric style.

This lithograph, titled 'And the Angel Took the Censer' (Puis l'ange prit l'encensoir), is a work from the 1899 portfolio 'Apocalypse de Saint Jean'. Odilon 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 print, Redon employs his characteristic mastery of lithographic tone to create an atmosphere of quiet mystery. The composition features a central angelic figure, rendered with delicate, ethereal lines. The angel holds a censer, from which a dense, dark cloud of smoke emerges. This heavy, textured shadow contrasts with the luminosity of the angel, who appears almost translucent against the stark white background. Redon uses the grain of the lithographic stone to build up layers of charcoal-like texture, particularly within the billowing smoke, which dominates the left side of the frame. The figure's expression is one of serene detachment, typical of Redon's otherworldly subjects. Redon's work often drew upon literary and biblical themes, yet he treated these subjects with a personal, subjective vision. By focusing on the interplay between light and shadow, he invites the viewer to contemplate the spiritual or psychological weight of the scene rather than its narrative details. The print demonstrates his ability to manipulate the medium to achieve a wide range of greys, from the deepest blacks of the censer and smoke to the subtle, pale outlines of the angel's wings. This piece is a fine example of the Symbolist interest in the suggestive power of art, where the image functions as a bridge to an unseen reality. It remains a compelling study in contrast, texture, and the evocative potential of monochrome printing.