Trees

1863

Meets Rodolphe Bresdin

His elder brother introduced Redon to a circle of young intellectuals, where in 1863 he met the proto-Symbolist engraver Rodolphe Bresdin. Deeply affected by Bresdin’s work, Redon resolved to become a graphic artist.

1864

Discovers Millet, Corot and Moreau in Paris

From 1864 Redon studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Jean-Léon Gérôme and learned lithography from Henri Fantin-Latour. The paintings of Jean-François Millet, Camille Corot and Gustave Moreau stunned him.

c. 1864 – 1870

Sculpture and lessons with Bresdin in Bordeaux

Back in his native Bordeaux, Redon took up sculpting, and Rodolphe Bresdin instructed him in etching and lithography.

1867–1915

Begins the journal “To Myself”

From 1867 Redon kept a journal, “À soi-même” (“To Myself”), setting out his views on art and creation; the last entries date from 1915.

1868

Withdraws “Roland at Roncesvalles” from the Salon

When the jury of the Paris Salon accepted his painting “Roland at Roncesvalles”, Redon took fright at the critics’ verdict at the last moment and withdrew it.

1870–1871

Army service in the Franco-Prussian War

In 1870 Redon found himself in the field army in the Franco-Prussian War and, to the surprise of family and friends, proved a brave and steadfast soldier. The war, which ended for France in a humiliating peace, gave him confidence in himself.