Le Sphynx…mon regard que rien ne peut devier, demeure tendu a travers les choses sur un horizon inaccessible. La Chimere – Moi, Je suis legere et joyeuse — History & Facts
In Le Sphynx, we see a mysterious figure of a sphinx set against a dreamlike background. The colors are rich and deep, with shades of blue and gold dominating the canvas. The sphinx's gaze is intense, directed towards an unreachable horizon, creating a sense of longing.
The overall atmosphere is both enigmatic and captivating, inviting viewers to ponder its meaning. The painting is characterized by its use of oil on canvas, a medium that allows for vibrant color application and texture. Redon's brushwork is fluid, creating a sense of movement within the stillness of the scene. The dimensions are approximately 80 x 100 cm, making it a substantial piece that draws the viewer in.
The composition is balanced, with the sphinx positioned prominently against the expansive background. Odilon Redon was a key figure in the Symbolist movement, known for his imaginative and dreamlike works. Le Sphynx reflects his fascination with mythological themes and the subconscious. An interesting fact about this work is that it embodies Redon's belief in the power of imagination and the unseen, as he often sought to express feelings and ideas beyond the visible world.
This painting is housed in the Musee d'Orsay, a fitting location for such a significant work.
More Artworks by Odilon Redon

The Cyclops
Odilon Redon

Still Life with Flowers
Odilon Redon

Flower Clouds
Odilon Redon

Le Buddha
Odilon Redon

Portrait de Paul Sérusier
Odilon Redon

Mlle. Juliette Dodu
Odilon Redon

In My Dream I Saw in the Sky a Face of Mystery
Odilon Redon

Ophelia with a Blue Wimple in the Water
Odilon Redon

Parfois on trouve un vieux flacon qui se souvient, d’ou jaillit toute vive une ame qui revient
Odilon Redon

Passage of a Soul
Odilon Redon






