Bust of Rodin, 1909-1910
Bronze
Émile-Antoine Bourdelle
French, 1861-1929
Émile-Antoine Bourdelle was one of the leaders of twentieth century monumental sculpture and was described by Rodin as “a pioneer of the future.” Rodin admired Bourdelle’s work and in 1893 took him on as his pupil and assistant. They collaborated together over the next fifteen years, even co-founding a free school for sculpture. In 1909, after Bourdelle left the studio of Rodin and set out on his own, he created this portrait of his teacher and supporter, depicting Rodin as a sacred icon with the mighty beard and two small horns on his head of Michelangelo’s Moses.
Gift of B. Gerald Cantor Art Foundation, M.73.108.23
Visual Description: This is a bronze bust of Auguste Rodin, created by one of his pupils and assistants. The bust is almost three feet tall and over two feet wide. The bust portrays Rodin as an older man, with wrinkles etched into his skin, a full moustache, and a long, wavy beard. His shoulders are large and rounded, creating an impressive and solid presence. With his hair combed back and two small horns along his forehead (referencing the horned Moses sculpted by Michelangelo), he looks straight ahead, with a content and slightly pensive expression on his face.
