Meaning: Odilon Redon, a French symbolist painter, printmaker, and pastellist, expressed a profound understanding of the nature of art with his quote, "While I recognize the necessity for a basis of observed reality... true art lies in a reality that is felt." This quote encapsulates the essence of artistic expression and invites contemplation on the relationship between reality and the creative process.

The first part of the quote, "While I recognize the necessity for a basis of observed reality," acknowledges the foundational role of observable reality in the creation of art. Redon acknowledges the importance of grounding artistic expression in the tangible world. This recognition aligns with the traditional approach to art, where artists often begin by observing and capturing the physical world through their chosen medium.

The second part of the quote, "... true art lies in a reality that is felt," delves into the deeper essence of art. Redon suggests that the true essence of art goes beyond mere observation and representation of external reality. Instead, he emphasizes the significance of imbuing art with a sense of internal reality, one that is felt and experienced on a profound emotional and spiritual level. In this view, art becomes a conduit for expressing the artist's inner world and evoking emotional responses in the audience.

Redon's perspective on the nature of art aligns with the principles of symbolism, a movement in art and literature that emerged in the late 19th century. Symbolist artists sought to convey ideas and emotions through symbolic imagery rather than literal representation. They aimed to evoke the ineffable and the subconscious, often delving into themes of mysticism, dreams, and the human psyche. Redon's own work is characterized by its dreamlike and imaginative qualities, often featuring enigmatic and fantastical elements that transcend conventional reality.

In the context of Redon's quote, "true art" can be interpreted as art that transcends the limitations of mere visual representation and taps into the realm of subjective experience. It is the art that resonates with the viewer on a profound level, eliciting emotional, intellectual, or spiritual responses. This type of art has the power to communicate universal truths, evoke empathy, and transcend cultural and temporal boundaries.

Redon's emphasis on the "reality that is felt" also underscores the subjective nature of artistic experience. Each individual may perceive and interpret art in their unique way, based on their personal experiences, emotions, and beliefs. Therefore, the "reality" within art is not confined to external, objective truths but encompasses the internal, subjective realities of both the artist and the audience.

In conclusion, Odilon Redon's quote encapsulates the essence of true art as a fusion of observed reality and internal, felt reality. It invites us to contemplate the transformative power of art and the profound ways in which it can resonate with our innermost selves. By recognizing the importance of subjective experience and emotional resonance in art, Redon challenges us to seek deeper connections and meanings within the realm of artistic expression.