Symbolic Headc. 1890 · Study 1988.91

Context from the museum

One of Redon’s favorite themes was a head depicted in profile, sometimes separated from the body to symbolize the spirit released from the material world. It also suggests a metaphor for abandoning physical reality for the inner realm of dreams, fantasy, and poetic reverie. This painting conveys the idea of inward-turning vision by framing the head in a series of collapsing rectangles. Conservation analysis confirms that the figure is a woman wearing a helmet and holding a green staff in her right hand.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

Symbolism was a reaction against Realism and Redon is one of the most important artists affiliated with this movement. The symbolist painters used mystical dreamlike images that were highly personal in their work.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Symbolic Head is 38 cm wide and 53.3 cm high, equivalent to approximately 15.0 × 21.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.71:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.20 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 12.7% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 131.0 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Symbolic Head in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on paper mounted on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 38 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?