img837 Odilon Redon (1840-1916)

The drawing presents a close-up portrait dominated by a single, intensely rendered eye. The composition is circular, framing the face and emphasizing its isolation. A fringe of short, dark hair partially obscures the forehead, contributing to a sense of contained intensity.
The artist employed a technique that utilizes dense hatching and cross-hatching to create tonal variations and texture. This approach lends a grainy quality to the image, softening edges and blurring precise details while simultaneously highlighting the meticulousness of the execution. The limited palette – primarily dark browns and blacks against a warm, yellowish background – further contributes to the drawing’s somber mood.
The eye itself is the focal point; its depiction is remarkably detailed, capturing subtle nuances in the iris and pupil. A slight downturn at the outer corner suggests melancholy or introspection. The gaze appears directed outward, yet it conveys an impression of profound observation rather than direct engagement.
Beyond a straightforward portrait, the drawing seems to explore themes of perception and surveillance. The magnified eye evokes the feeling of being scrutinized, prompting questions about who is observing whom. The circular format can be interpreted as symbolic of completeness or confinement, reinforcing the sense of isolation surrounding the subject. The grainy texture might suggest an obscured reality, hinting at a distorted or incomplete understanding.
The signature in the lower right corner indicates authorship, but it also serves to further emphasize the personal and intimate nature of this observation – a private moment made public through artistic representation.