Auguste RODIN (1840-1917)
Balzac, head study C,... Lot 104
result :
Not available
Estimate :
Subscribers only
Auguste RODIN (1840-1917)
Balzac, head study C, with cut-out chest sculpture, circa 1916
Richly shaded black-brown patinated bronze sculpture
Stamped "A. RODIN
Signed in relief "Auguste Rodin" below the sculpture
Foundry stamp: Alexis RUDIER Fondeur
Early edition from the artist's lifetime, circa 1916 (source: Galerie Univers Du Bronze, Paris).
H. 27 cm; L. 15 cm
Resting on a beige veined marble pedestal.
PROVENANCE :
- Galerie Univers Du Bronze, Paris
- Private collection, Paris
NOTE :
- A certificate of authenticity from Galerie Univers Du Bronze, Paris, will be given to the purchaser.
- The Société des gens de lettres commissions Auguste RODIN to create a statue of the great writer Honoré de BALZAC.
- Auguste RODIN made the unconventional choice of highlighting the power of the writer's genius with an imposing sculpture,
a far cry from the image his patrons had of the writer. Auguste RODIN had to contend with the controversial DREYFUS affair,
forcing him to exceed the stipulated delivery deadlines, he was forced to repay the advance he had received. The monument to Honoré de
BALZAC, when it was exhibited in 1898, was very poorly received by the public. The Société des gens de lettres rejected it, describing it
as a "thousand-year-old menhir", a "penguin" or "a coal sack". Admirers supported the artist. Émile ZOLA
and Claude MONET wrote that "c'est absolument beau et grand, c'est superbe". Time has seen to it that this sculpture
as a manifesto of modern art.
We use cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience, perform site traffic analysis, and deliver content and advertisements most relevant to your interests.
Cookie management:
By allowing these cookies, you agree to the deposit, reading and use of tracking technologies necessary for their proper functioning. Read more about our privacy policy.