The Satyr with the Cynical Smile

Odilon Redon

1883

The Satyr with the Cynical Smile by Odilon Redon, 1883

Odilon Redon’s 1883 lithograph captures a dark, shadowy profile that looks like it just crawled out of a nightmare. This is a satyr, a mythological creature, sporting a tiny horn and a distinctly cynical, toothy grin as it glances back over its shoulder. Part of Redon's famous 'Noirs' series, this piece dives deep into the Symbolist movement's obsession with dreams and the subconscious mind. The scratchy, dense texture makes the figure feel almost alive, emerging from the gloom to stare right at you with a single, piercing eye. It’s a perfect example of how Redon turned simple black ink into pure psychological mystery.

Technique
Lithography
Material
Paper
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