Odilon Redon (1840-1916) was born in Bordeaux, Aquitaine. He dedicated himself to painting from childhood, and when he was only 10, he won the prize for drawing in his school. He continued to devote himself to painting, and at the age of 15, he began to study it. However, at the insistence of his father, he soon left and went to study architecture. Unfortunately, he didn’t pass the entrance exams, and thus he devoted himself to sculpture. His career was interrupted by the Franco-Prussian War. He had a great interest in Hinduism, Buddhism and other religions, which was reflected in his works: Buddha, Monk with a Book, or Mephistoteles. After 1900, he fully dedicated himself to abstract painting, by which he also came to the limelight. He painted portraits for wealthy clients. In 1903, he was awarded the Legion of Honor. Many of his works are on display in the Musée d’Orsay and the J. Paul Getty Museum in California.