The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of October 5, 2026

Thirteen vertically oriented lithographs on paper are arranged in a grid. The top-left print on tan paper contains text. The remaining black and white compositions depict ethereal scenes. Figures include a skeletal rider with a banner, a winged angel clutching a chain, and a woman with a sword. On the far right, a bearded figure prays. Grainy strokes define backgrounds that shift from dense black shadows to luminous white spaces.

The Apocalypse of Saint John

1899

Odilon Redon

(French, 1840–1916)
printer

Blanchard

publisher

Ambroise Vollard

(French, 1867–1939)
France, late 19th Century
twelve lithographs on wove paper
Image: 20.2 x 23.3 cm (7 15/16 x 9 3/16 in.)
Gift of Ralph King 1926.140
Catalogue raisonné: Mellerio 173-185
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

This is one of the last works where Redon experimented with lithograph and all-black medium. In contrast, bright, dazzling colors characterize his late works.

Description

The last of Odilon Redon’s 11 lithographic portfolios, this series relates to the Book of Revelation from the Christian Bible. The subject had been explored throughout art history, allowing the artist to align himself with past masters, such as Albrecht Dürer. Although Redon often vaguely referenced texts, these prints directly illustrate 12 individual passages, including one about a woman clothed with the sun and another focused on a great star falling from heaven. By the time he created this portfolio, Redon’s reputation was well established. The project was published by art dealer Ambroise Vollard, who began to sell and promote Redon’s work about a year earlier, building a market for his prints in Paris and abroad.
  • ?-1926
    Ralph King [1855-1926], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    1926-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=The Apocalypse of Saint John|url=false|author=Odilon Redon, Blanchard, Ambroise Vollard|year=1899|access-date=05 October 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1926.140