Tête d'homme (Head of a Man)
Drawing / Work on paper • Attributed to Odilon Redon or circle of Odilon Redon
Style & Movement
Symbolism
Medium & Technique
Charcoal and black chalk on paper, with rubbing/stumping techniques to create sfumato effects.
Creation Period
Circa 1900-1920
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 18 cm; Vertical portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A melancholic, disembodied male head emerging from a dark, heavily worked background. The subject reflects the Symbolist preoccupation with internal psychological states, mystery, and the 'Noirs' (Blacks) style of Redon, where shadows define form rather than light.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (for its age); some slight edge wear and mat burn visible near the borders.
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $35,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$20,000 - $30,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a French private collection or a specialist gallery dealing in 19th/20th-century works on paper. No visible stamps or labels are evident from the front view.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of Symbolist drawing, showcasing the transition from traditional academic drawing to the more emotive, atmospheric styles that influenced modern Expressionism. It reflects the era's fascination with the subconscious.
Notable Features
The heavy layering of black media creates a velvet-like texture. The 'emerging' quality of the face suggests a dream-like state, a hallmark of the French Symbolist movement.
Condition Issues
Visible surface rubbing, slight foxing potential (hidden by dark pigment), and irregular edges characteristic of hand-torn heavy paper. Some charcoal transfer may occur if not fixed.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using archival, acid-free materials with a deep spacer to prevent the charcoal from touching the glass. Controlled UV lighting is required to prevent paper embrittlement.