Description
The last of Odilon Redon’s 11 lithographic portfolios, this series relates to the Book of Revelation from the Christian Bible. The subject had been explored throughout art history, allowing the artist to align himself with past masters, such as Albrecht Dürer. Although Redon often vaguely referenced texts, these prints directly illustrate 12 individual passages, including one about a woman clothed with the sun and another focused on a great star falling from heaven. By the time he created this portfolio, Redon’s reputation was well established. The project was published by art dealer Ambroise Vollard, who began to sell and promote Redon’s work about a year earlier, building a market for his prints in Paris and abroad.
Provenance
Ralph King [1855-1926], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (?-1926); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1926-)
And I, John, Saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, Coming Down from God and out of Heaven
Odilon Redon1899
Accession Number
1926.140.12
Medium
lithograph
Dimensions
Image: 30 x 23.7 cm (11 13/16 x 9 5/16 in.)
Classification
Credit Line
Gift of Ralph King