Study of a hand
20th century
Medium
Cast plaster
Dimensions
Length: 2 in. (5.1 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture
French
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Auguste Rodin, 1912
Accession Number
12.12.18
Tags
About this artwork
This Study of a hand by Auguste Rodin dating to 20th century exemplifies the artistic traditions of French. Created in cast plaster, the work demonstrates technical mastery of materials and processes characteristic of French artisans. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, this piece contributes to our understanding of historical artistic production. The work's Length: 2 in. (5.1 cm) and material qualities reflect the aesthetic values and technical ca...
About the Artist
Auguste Rodin · 1840–1917
François Auguste René Rodin (1840-1917) stands as the founder of modern sculpture, transforming the art form from academic tradition into expressive modernism. Born into a working-class Parisian family, Rodin faced early rejection, failing three times to gain admission to the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts. This setback forced him to work as a craftsman for nearly two decades, though his 1875 tr...