Two Grotesque Figures

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.