A Study of Odilon Redon's Works: Origins and Influences

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K00196
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 01060:History of arts-related
• Research Institution: Osaka Metropolitan University (2022-2023); Osaka City University (2019-2021)
• Principal Investigator: Yamajo Noriko 大阪公立大学, 大学院文学研究科, 都市文化研究センター研究員 (40805529)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: オディロン・ルドン / 美術史 / 19世紀 / フランス / 出現 / ジャポニスム / 図像 / エドガー・アラン・ポー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examines the works of Odilon Redon (1840-1916) in detail, including underpainting, rubbings and traces of blotting, and uses primary sources and scholarly journals to analyse the sources and techniques of his multilayered iconographic expression. The aim of the research is to explore the artistic significance of the non-deterministic attitude evoked by the ambiguity of Redon's work, which highlights the complex nature of the worldview shared by his French contemporaries. "Apparition" (1883) has been noted to be influenced by Moreau, but it can be confirmed that it reflects his experience of military service and illness, as well as public concerns about execution and slavery. "The Spider" (1881) had a wide range of sources, including botany and literature, and acquired a variety of symbolism depending on the viewer. It also illustrates the close connection between the artist and Japan through Shigeru Mizuki.

Free Research Field

西洋美術史

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

根本的な解釈が不可能とされてきたルドンの作品を丹念に調査し、徹底的な観察と豊富な資料の検討により、画家が参照した着想源を明らかにするだけでなく、画家も意識していなかった多様な源泉を指摘した。ルドン芸術を同時代の社会や日本美術を含む多様な文化との相互作用の産物として捉え直し、時代の表象という新視点を実証的に提示した。