Modeled c. 1881-1882; cast 1926
Third Architectural Model for "The Gates of Hell"
Auguste RodinFrench, 1840 - 1917
In the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, the French state commissioned The Gates of Hell, which it intended to use as doors for a planned museum of decorative art. The 1880 commission, Rodin’s first, transformed his career, providing him with access to a studio and to funding for decades.
Almost immediately, however, Rodin began deviating from his assignment. This early model shows the doors already transformed into elaborate, expressive sculpture. The museum project stalled, and bronze casts of The Gates—were made only after Rodin’s death.
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