ODILION REDON
1840-1916
The figure in Parsifal is based on the hero of a medieval poem by Wolfram von Eschenbach (died c.1230). Redon’s use of the character was inspired by Richard Wagner’s (1813-83) opera Parsifal of 1890. This myth is believed to be based on the ancient Greek idea of the spear that heals, hence the attribute of Redon’s Parsifal.
The Parisian public were fully acquainted with Wagner’s use of elaborate, medieval legends from publications which contained detailed plot summaries of his operas. Redon attended recitals and full performances of Wagner’s cycles throughout the late 1880s and 1890s in Paris, Brussels and London. The symbolism of the composer’s imagination was well-suited to Redon’s own creative skills which he put to use in numerous lithographs, charcoals and pastels illustrating Wagnerian themes.
The majority of Redon’s lithographs were created using the transfer method of lithography. This process allowed the artist to transfer the original drawing to the lithographic stone: the drawing was applied to the transfer paper, a water-soluble coated paper, which was laid face down on the stone, then dampened and repeatedly passed through the printing press under pressure until all the drawing was transferred from the paper to the stone.
Copyright © Trustees of Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford.
Extract taken from Prints, Cecil Higgins Art Gallery .