Auguste Rodin

Art Historical Context

In the Prints and Drawings department of the Institute of Chicago resides Anders Zorn's striking 1906 etching *Auguste Rodin*, intimate portrait of the legendary French sculptor. Swedish artist Anders Zorn (186–1920), celebrated for his luminous paintings and masterful prints, captures Rodin—creator of iconic works like *The Thinker*— a moment of quiet intensity. Created during the early 20th century when both artists were at the pinnacles of their careers, piece reflects the international artistic exchanges of the Belle Époque, bridging Scandinavian precision with French modernism. Executed in black ink on luxurious ivory laid paper (image 21.2 × 15.5 cm; sheet 32.8 × 25.3 cm), the etching showcases Zorn's virtuoso technique. Etching, an intaglio process where acid bites lines into a metal plate, allowed Zorn to achieve remarkable texture and depth, rendering Rodin's furrowed brow, expressive eyes, and tousled hair with lifelike immediacy. His command of light and shadow evokes the immediacy of a drawing while highlighting Rodin's contemplative genius. This work not only immortalizes a titan of sculpture but also exemplifies Zorn's prowess in portraiture, blending psychological insight with technical brilliance—a testament to the enduring power of printmaking in celebrating cultural icons.

About the Artist

Anders Zorn · 1860–1920

Anders Zorn (1860–1920), one of Sweden's most celebrated artists, was born on February 18 in Utmeland near Mora in Dalarna, and raised on his maternal grandparents' farm in the nearby hamlet of Yvraden. Displaying prodigious talent from a young age, he attended school in Mora Strand until age twelve, followed by secondary grammar school in Enköping, where he excelled in drawing people and horses. ...