img824 Odilon Redon (1840-1916)

The drawing presents a solitary figure positioned precariously on the edge of what appears to be a precipice. The individual is depicted in a posture of exertion, hands firmly planted on the ground for support as they strain forward. Their body language conveys a sense of vulnerability and struggle against an unseen force.
The artist has rendered the landscape with a textured approach, utilizing hatching and cross-hatching techniques to suggest depth and uneven terrain. The cliff face is detailed with visible rock formations, while the background dissolves into a hazy, indistinct form that resembles a swirling cloud or perhaps a vast expanse of sky. This contrast between the sharply defined foreground and the nebulous backdrop contributes to an atmosphere of isolation and uncertainty.
The figure’s placement at the edge of the precipice immediately evokes themes of risk, precariousness, and the potential for sudden descent. The indistinct background could be interpreted as representing the unknown or a higher power, looming over the individuals struggle. There is a palpable tension between the figure’s effort to maintain their position and the implied threat of falling into the void.
Beneath the image, inscribed text adds another layer of meaning. The phrase Le silence éternel de ces espaces infinis meffraie (The eternal silence of these infinite spaces frightens me) is attributed to Pascal. This quotation directly connects the visual imagery with a profound existential contemplation on humanity’s insignificance in the face of cosmic vastness and the fear that accompanies such realization. The drawing, therefore, becomes not merely an illustration but a visual embodiment of this philosophical sentiment – a depiction of human anxiety confronting the immensity of existence.

The artists choice to depict the figure from a low angle further emphasizes their vulnerability and amplifies the sense of being overwhelmed by the surrounding environment.