img848 Odilon Redon (1840-1916)

The drawing presents a group of figures clustered around a large clock face, rendered in a monochromatic palette dominated by ochre and deep brown tones. The composition is tightly framed, creating a sense of claustrophobia and immediacy.
On the left side of the image, three humanoid forms are arranged vertically. The figure at the top appears diminutive, with an exaggeratedly round face and what seems to be a head covering or elaborate hairstyle. Below this, a second figure displays a gaunt visage, its features sharply defined by deep shadows. A third, more substantial figure stands at the base of this arrangement; it is draped in what looks like animal fur, obscuring much of its form. This figure leans heavily on a staff, suggesting age or infirmity.
The central focus shifts to a smaller, ape-like creature positioned slightly forward from the group. Its posture is hunched, and its facial expression conveys an unsettling mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The creature’s limbs are disproportionately long, contributing to a sense of awkwardness and vulnerability.
Behind these figures looms a large clock face, prominently displayed on the right side of the composition. Roman numerals mark the hours, with the hand pointing towards approximately three oclock. The clock itself is not precisely circular but appears slightly distorted, adding to the overall feeling of unease.
The artist’s use of cross-hatching and dense shading creates a palpable texture throughout the drawing. This technique emphasizes the figures’ skeletal structures and contributes to an atmosphere of decay and melancholy. The limited tonal range reinforces this somber mood, while also highlighting the stark contrast between light and shadow.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of mortality, times passage, and perhaps a commentary on humanitys relationship with nature or its own primal instincts. The clock face serves as a constant reminder of the relentless march of time, while the figures themselves appear burdened by their existence. The ape-like creature could be interpreted as representing an earlier stage in human evolution, or perhaps a symbolic representation of base desires and anxieties. The overall effect is one of profound introspection and quiet despair.