Modeled 1887-1889; cast 1988
Jules Bastien-Lepage
Auguste RodinFrench, 1840 - 1917
Image 1 of 31 / 3
When the painter Jules Bastien-Lepage died in 1884, his supporters commissioned a memorial in his hometown of Damvillers, France. Rodin had been pursuing monument commissions in Paris for several years, but this one, in a field near a rural village, was the first one he completed.
Bastien-Lepage was known for painting outdoors, and Rodin portrayed him in action, arming him with a smock, palette, and brush. Critics faulted the artist for his subject’s naturalistic pose and modern-day clothing, which they found unbecoming of a monument.
This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]
Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]