Cain and Abel

1886

Odilon Redon

Associated Names
Odilon Redon

Artist, French, 1840 - 1916

This is a drawing of two figures in a dynamic and tense interaction. The image depicts a scene with two figures who appear to be in a conflict or struggle. The figure in the foreground is crouched down, with one arm and one leg supporting their weight, while the other arm is extended forward. The second figure is elevated, poised above the first figure, holding a large stick or club above their head with both hands. The interaction between the two figures is charged with energy and motion, enhanced by strong, etched lines and the use of shading to create depth and texture. The background is relatively plain, with some light shading and sparse line work, drawing attention to the central action of the figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ruth Cole Kainen

  • Dimensions

    plate: 18.9 x 12 cm (7 7/16 x 4 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 33 x 25.2 cm (13 x 9 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2006.57.27

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Mellerio 1913, no. 18


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Kennedy Galleries, New York); Mrs. Ruth Kainen, Washington, D.C., purchased September 16, 1970; gift to NGA, 2006.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2009

  • The Darker Side of Light: Arts of Privacy, 1850-1900, Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; NGA; Smart Museum of Art, Chicago, 2009 - 2010

Bibliography

1913

  • Mellerio, Andre. Odilon Redon. Paris: Societe pour l'Etude de la Gravure Francais, 1913. Reprint. New York: Da Capo Press, 1968.

Inscriptions

lower left: Odilon Redon; in later hand of Madame Redon: Cain & Abel; in unidentified later hand: (Mme Redon's writing) (bought direct from her). Etching -1886 - 20 proofs only Mellerio No. 18 each NNX / MXX; by later hand lower left verso: A16828

Wikidata ID

Q76349233

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