Je me suis enfoncé dans la solitude. J'habitais l'arbre derrière moi
(I plunged into solitude. I dwelt in the tree behind me)
Plate 9 of 24
Recalling his youth, Redon commented that 'the woods with century-old trees' were places of 'supernatural tales' where witches still existed.
What is distinct about this representation is its mysterious, anthropomorphic quality, with the black hole gaping open like a mouth. Redon transformed Saint Anthony's dwelling into a sinister, mystical entity, unlike any other, creating a terrifying and consuming symbol of solitude.