Victor Hugo du trois quarts

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Auguste Rodin’s “Victor Hugo du trois quarts of 1885 presents a striking portrait of the celebrated French author in three-quarter view. Though best known for his monumental sculptures, Rodin occasionally turned to printmaking, and this small drypoint reveals his interest in capturing the writer’s intense presence through line rather than bronze or marble. Drypoint, an intaglio technique prized for its soft, velvety burr, allowed Rodin to create expressive tonal effects within the modest dimensions of 220 by 150 millimeters. The work’s intimate scale invites close viewing, emphasizing subtle shifts of light and shadow that convey both likeness and psychological depth. The collector’s mark Lugt 2228 records the print’s passage through distinguished hands, reminding us of the quiet afterlife such works enjoy in private and public collections alike.

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...