Known for his dark, velvety charcoal drawings and lithographs, Redon began working predominantly in oil and pastel after 1900, thus enlisting color in his explorations of the world of dreams and the imagination. Like other Symbolists, Redon searched for alternative experiences beyond the rational logic of Naturalism and Impressionism. He used his knowledge of botany as a starting point for this painting, but infused the flowers with heightened luminosity and sensuous form. Title Vase of Flowers Creator Odilon Redon (French, 1840¨C1916) Date Created c. 1905 Physical Dimensions Framed 90.8 x 62.2 x 10.2 cm (35 3/4 x 24 1/2 x 4 in.); Unframed 73 x 59 cm (28 3/4 x 23 1/4 in.) Provenance (Georges Bernheim, Paris, France, January 1929, stock no. A498, sold to Knoedler & Co.), (Knoedler & Co., New York, NY, September 1929, stock no. A1021, sold to George C. Lee), Mrs. G. C. Lee returned to Knoedler & Co., New York, NY (stock number A1021) November 1929, held jointly with E. Bignou., (Knoedler & Co., New York, NY, January 1930, stock number A1171, jointly with E. Bignou, sold to Mrs. R.T. Wilson), Mrs. R.T. Wilson [1875-1947], New York, NY returned to Knoedler & Co., May 1930, (M. Knoedler & Co., New York, NY, December 1935, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art), The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH Type Painting Rights CC0 Medium oil on fabric Inscriptions Signed lower right odilon redon Fun Fact Redon returned to the subject of flowers many times throughout his career. His interest in plants may have been inspired by his friend and mentor Armand Clavaud, a botanist and illustrator who lived in Redon's hometown of Bordeaux. Department Modern European Painting and Sculpture Culture France, late 19th-early 20th Century Credit Line Gift of Roberta Holden Bole Collection Mod Euro - Painting 1800-1960 Accession Number 1935.233
