Description
Odilon Redon’s work, titled “My Kisses Have a Taste of Fruit That Would Melt in Your Heart! … You Scorn Me! Farewell! (Plate 4)” from 1896, is a fascinating example of the mental landscapes that this symbolist artist would often create. Redon, who devoted much of his life to exploring the realms of imagination and spirituality, addresses themes of desire, melancholy, and the abyss of the human soul, elements that are intertwined in this particular work.
From the first glance at the painting, it is clear that it is part of the cycle of works known as the “Nosferatos,” a series focused on fantastical and emotional themes. The composition is presented in an almost dreamlike manner, with a background of soft tones that dissolve into the atmosphere, creating a sense of unreality. The use of shadows and lights in the upper part suggests a kind of halo or supernatural illumination that envelops the image, giving it a lyrical depth.
Colours are paramount in this work: shades of blue and violet predominate, combined with hints of warm tones on the lips and in the background, evoking a feeling of both longing and sadness. This chromatic contrast reinforces the message, accentuating the dichotomy between the desire for connection and the experience of rejection. Through these colours, Redon manages to convey complex emotional states, opening an internal dialogue between the viewer and the piece.
As for the central figure, although it cannot be said that it represents a clearly defined character in physical terms, the presence of a female form seems to stand out among the nuances of the background. Subtly, the face is set in the surrounding colors, which may indicate a state of fusion with her own feelings and thoughts. Her face reflects an intense emotional charge; it is a portrait of rejection and farewell, where a silenced cry seems to emerge: "You despise me!" The lack of definition in her features allows the viewer to project their own experiences and feelings into the work, thus making it a personal experience.
The symbolism of the fruit, mentioned in the title, alludes to the sweetness of love and how it can become an object of desire that, while attractive, is ephemeral and potentially draining. Redon once again demonstrates his mastery in associating natural elements with complex human emotions, a theme that resonates in many of his works. The reference to the fruit that would “melt in your heart” evokes both the fragility of human relationships and the ability of these to fade away, leaving us with a feeling of melancholy.
In the context of symbolism, this work is placed alongside others from the period, where artists began to explore the subjective and emotional dimensions of reality, moving away from more conventional representations. Redon's connection with figures such as Gustave Moreau and Paul Gauguin highlights the deep shared interest in symbolism, although with a different approach that focuses more on introspection and the exploration of the ineffable.
In conclusion, “My Kisses Have A Fruity Taste That Would Melt In Your Heart! ... You Despise Me! Goodbye!” is not just a work of art, it is a moving reflection of the complexity of human beings and their emotions. Through his palette, his composition and the use of symbolic elements, Redon invites the viewer to enter into an emotional journey where each kiss becomes an evocative experience, full of sweetness and sadness, leaving an indelible impression on the memory.
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