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The Thinker

Bronze sculpture (modelled 1880–1882, enlarged 1902) by Auguste Rodin. A seated nude male figure in deep contemplation, chin resting on hand, originally conceived as a small figure for the tympanum of the Gates of Hell representing Dante. The enlarged cast at the Musée Rodin is now the definitive version.

Scholarly Significance

Anchor Rodin's sculpture with The Thinker, the most famous sculpture of the modern era and one of the most widely reproduced works in history.

Notes

  • ·First modelled in bronze at 70 cm height (1882); enlarged to the monumental 186 cm version in 1902 at the request of the Société des Gens de Lettres.
  • ·The enlarged version was first displayed in front of the Panthéon in Paris, 1906.
  • ·After Rodin's death (1917), the Musée Rodin was empowered to authorise new casts; there are over 20 authorised monumental casts worldwide.
  • ·Became a universal symbol of Western philosophy and rational thought — possibly the most widely reproduced sculpture in history.
  • ·The Art Institute of Chicago and numerous other institutions hold authorised casts.