ODILON REDON (1840-1916)

Fontarabie, also known as Fuenterrabia, is a small village in the Spanish Basque region in the province of Guipùzcoa. Its name means "river made of sand." Redon visited the village on three occasions in 1861, 1878 and 1900. During the time of his visits the region was considered unspoiled by industrialism and attracted artists who were drawn by its exotic character and unique language and customs. Redon wrote a fictionalized account of his travels in the Basque region which he titled Un séjour dans le pays Basque. The was haunted by his recollections and his paintings convey the depth of his personal identification with the region.