Auguste Rodin French, 1840-1917
Éternelle Idole (Eternal Idol), Moyen Modèle
Signed A.Rodin
Inscribed Georges Rudier Fondeur Paris and © by Musée Rodin 1969
Conceived in 1889. This example cast in 1969.
The Comite Rodin states there were less than 12 cast made in total.
Bronze with a dark green patina, with lighter green highlights
Height: 11 1/2" (29.4 cm)
Further images
Rodin conceived the Eternal Idol whilst working on the Gates of Hell, incorporating both of the figures independently onto the right-hand doorway. Sometime before 1890 the figures were combined into...
Rodin conceived the Eternal Idol whilst working on the Gates of Hell, incorporating both of the figures independently onto the right-hand doorway. Sometime before 1890 the figures were combined into the group we now know.
The work became one of Rodin’s most powerful groups and its emotive force has elicited a range of symbolic interpretations. It is often seen as a depiction of tender adoration, the man’s hands clasped behind his back in a symbol of respectful abstinence. Conversely, others have suggested the man’s hands are not clasped in a respectful manner, but rather show that he is enslaved by the woman, unable to escape her power as she looks down pitifully upon him.
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