Description:

Auguste Rodin
n.p., n.d.
Auguste Rodin ALS: "I owe you a lot for the pleasure it gave me when you visited my studio to see my sculptures"
ALS

A 2pp autograph letter in French signed by sculptor Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) as "Rodin" at the top of the second page. N.d., n.p. Inscribed overall on laid watermarked paper. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds. A partially rusted paper clip impression is found in the left margin of the first page, not affecting any text. The second page of text is more heavily toned. With a former collector's isolated pencil inscriptions. Else near fine. Laid flat, the letter measures 8.125" x 6.25." Accompanying the letter is an excised book plate showing a portrait of Rodin at top; a facsimile of his handwriting and signature at center; and a reproduction of one of his drypoint etchings at bottom. Toning, with uneven edge darkening, 7.125" x 10.875."

Rodin addressed this letter to an unidentified correspondent whom he called "Monsieur Paul." (This could indicate a correspondent whose name "Paul" referred either to his first name or last name.) Some context clues are revealed in the letter; for example, Monsieur Paul was a mutual friend who corresponded and socialized with Rodin's acquaintances. In addition, Rodin calls Monsieur Paul a "master of letters" which could suggest that he was a writer, editor, or publisher. What is clear is that Monsieur Paul was not a fellow studio artist. The greatest compliment that Rodin bestowed on Monsieur Paul comes at the conclusion of the letter, when he states that Monsieur Paul's true appreciation of artists and their work approaches the level of the actual craftsmen themselves.

"Dear Monsieur Paul,

I thank you for the letter that you addressed to our friend Gaelleky (?).

I further thank you for your visit to Mr Z Spilles (?) a little while ago.

I owe you a lot for the pleasure it gave me when you visited my studio to see my sculptures.

I was enchanted and grateful all at once. Of the rest, dear master of letters, you are an artist in every sense and you love sculpture as if you created it.

Please accept, dear Monsieur Paul, the expression of my sentiments of profound fondness.

Your devoted

Rodin."

Auguste Rodin was recognized as an artistic genius even during his lifetime. His sculptures in clay, plaster, marble, and bronze incorporated classical visual elements from the ancient world and Renaissance Italy, but also experimented with emotive realism. The result mesmerized modern audiences. In 1880, Rodin was awarded a commission to design the portal of a decorative arts museum in Paris. His resultant unfinished work was entitled "Gates of Hell" and depicted 186 high relief sculptures inspired by characters and scenes from Dante Alighieri's "The Inferno." Several of the figural groupings slated for the unfinished project are among Rodin's most famous creations, such as "Le Penseur" ["The Thinker"], ca. 1879-1889, and "Le Baiser" ["The Kiss"], ca. 1882.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: letter: 8.125" x 6.25"; print: 7.125" x 10.875"
  • Medium: ALS

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