And the Devil That Deceived Them was Cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, Where the Beast and the False Prophet Are - Odilon Redon

A haunting lithograph from Odilon Redon's 1899 Apocalypse series, featuring expressive tonal depth and Symbolist mystery.

This lithograph by Odilon Redon forms part of his 1899 portfolio, 'L'Apocalypse de Saint Jean'. The work demonstrates the artist's mastery of the medium, utilising a wide range of tonal values to create a sense of psychological unease. Redon, a central figure in the Symbolist movement, often turned to literary and biblical themes to explore the subconscious mind. In this composition, the figure emerges from a dense, atmospheric darkness, rendered with soft, smudged charcoal-like textures that are characteristic of his lithographic technique. The subject matter draws from the Book of Revelation. Redon avoids a literal or grand depiction of the biblical event, choosing instead to focus on the expressive, melancholic countenance of the figure. The heavy shadows and the blurred, ethereal quality of the forms suggest a dreamlike state, where the boundaries between reality and nightmare dissolve. The artist's use of light is particularly effective, as it catches the contours of the face while the rest of the body is consumed by the surrounding gloom. Redon's approach to printmaking was highly experimental. He often manipulated the stone to achieve varying degrees of opacity and transparency, which allowed him to evoke a sense of mystery. This print is an example of his ability to translate complex theological narratives into personal, evocative imagery. The composition is balanced by the weight of the dark areas, which draw the viewer's eye towards the central figure. By stripping away extraneous detail, Redon forces an engagement with the emotional state of the subject, creating a work that remains haunting and atmospheric.