The Beasts of the Sea Round Like Leather Bottles Plate 22 1896 by Odilon Redon
The Beasts Of The Sea Round Like Leather Bottles Plate 22
Odilon Redon’s Visionary Sea Creatures: A Lithographic Enigma
The lithograph The Beasts Of The Sea Round Like Leather Bottles Plate 22 (1896) stands as one of Odilon Redon’s most enigmatic works, bridging the gap between his early noir period and the vibrant colorism of his later years. Created during a time when Symbolism sought to transcend the visible, this print belongs to Redon’s Temptation of St. Anthony series—a collection that delved into the subconscious through grotesque yet poetic imagery. The work’s title alone conjures a surreal juxtaposition: sea creatures rendered with the tactile quality of leather bottles, a fusion of organic and artificial that defines Redon’s singular approach.
Unlike his contemporaries who adhered to naturalistic representation, Redon embraced ambiguity. His lithographs, including this piece, were often described as “dreamscapes” by critics of the 1890s. The rounded, bulbous forms in Plate 22 evoke both marine life and primordial vessels, a duality that aligns with Symbolism’s preoccupation with hidden meanings. As The Metropolitan Museum of Art notes, Redon’s work “challenged viewers to abandon literal interpretation,” a principle embodied by this lithograph’s unsettling yet mesmerizing forms.
Redon’s Lithographic Innovations in the 1890s
By the mid-1890s, Odilon Redon had transitioned from his monochromatic noirs to experiments with color, though his lithographs retained their haunting intensity. Plate 22 from The Temptation of St. Anthony series reflects this period’s technical sophistication. Unlike earlier works where charcoal dominated, this lithograph exploits the medium’s capacity for tonal gradation, creating forms that seem to emerge from—and dissolve into—the paper’s surface.
The series itself was a collaboration with writer Gustave Flaubert, though Redon’s imagery transcended mere illustration. His creatures, neither wholly animal nor object, embody what art historian Robert Rosenblum termed “the poetry of the indefinite.” This ambiguity was deliberate: Redon sought to evoke rather than depict, a philosophy that positioned him as a precursor to Surrealism. As the Tate observes, his lithographs “operate on the threshold between recognition and mystery,” a quality that makes this print endlessly compelling.
Redon’s Beasts of the Sea lithograph is less a study of marine life than a meditation on form’s elasticity—where biology and artifact merge into something uncannily new.
The Alchemy of Redon’s Lithographic Process
Composition: The Illusion of Depth
Redon’s composition in Plate 22 defies conventional perspective. The rounded forms float in an indeterminate space, their arrangement suggesting both cluster and dispersion. This spatial ambiguity was achieved through meticulous layering of lithographic ink, allowing lighter tones to bleed into darker areas. The result is a shallow depth that pulls the viewer’s eye into a vortex of organic shapes, each seemingly suspended in a liquid void.
Texture: Simulating Leather and Flesh
The lithograph’s title references “leather bottles,” and Redon’s technique delivers this tactile contradiction. By varying the pressure of his crayon on the lithographic stone, he created surfaces that oscillate between matte and glossy. The creatures’ skins appear simultaneously supple and rigid, a duality enhanced by the print’s fine grain. This textural complexity was a hallmark of Redon’s lithographs, setting them apart from the smoother, more uniform prints of his peers.
Own This Symbolist Masterwork
Bring home Redon’s visionary lithograph as a gallery-framed print, ready to display. Free worldwide shipping ensures your artwork arrives flawlessly, with archival materials guaranteeing lasting vibrancy.
Add to Cart — Free ShippingDisplaying Redon’s Lithograph: A Curator’s Approach
This 30×40 cm (12×16") print commands attention without overwhelming a space. Its monochromatic palette—deep blacks, soft grays, and creamy whites—pairs effortlessly with modern interiors. For maximum impact, position it against a matte dark gray or sage green wall, where the lithograph’s tonal subtleties will stand out. In a study or library, flank it with brass-coned wall lights to cast dramatic shadows that echo Redon’s own play with light and form.
Avoid overly bright rooms, as direct sunlight can mute the print’s delicate gradations. Instead, opt for north-facing walls or spots illuminated by warm LED track lighting (2700K–3000K). The print’s compact size makes it ideal for a salon-style arrangement, though its surreal subject matter demands breathing room—keep neighboring artworks at least 50 cm (20") away to preserve its hypnotic effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the frame included? What quality is it?
Every print includes a custom gallery frame crafted from solid wood with an acid-free mat board. The framing uses UV-protective acrylic glazing to prevent fading, ensuring your Redon lithograph remains vibrant for decades.
Where do you ship, and how long does delivery take?
We offer free worldwide shipping to all countries, with no minimum order. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on your location. All packages include tracking and full insurance.
How archival is the print? Will the colors fade over time?
The lithograph is printed on 300gsm cotton rag paper using pigment-based inks rated for 100+ years without fading. Combined with the UV-protective glazing, your print will retain its original depth and contrast under normal display conditions.
What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-day return window for all framed prints. If you’re not completely satisfied, contact our support team for a full refund or exchange—no return shipping fees, and no restocking charges.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Odilon Redon (1840–1916): Symbolism’s Visionary." metmuseum.org
- Tate. "Odilon Redon: Biography and Legacy." tate.org.uk
- The Art Story. "Odilon Redon: Art as Dream." theartstory.org
More Works by Odilon Redon
Explore Redon’s diverse oeuvre, from floral studies to surreal seascapes, each capturing his mastery of ambiguity and emotion.
You May Also Love
Further Reading
Dive deeper into Odilon Redon’s world with these curated guides, from decorating with his art to understanding his symbolic language.
Ready to Bring Redon Home?
Own this iconic lithograph as a gallery-framed print, delivered worldwide with free shipping. Each piece arrives ready to hang, backed by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Add to Cart — Free Worldwide Shipping