The Eternal Idol, Designed in 1893; cast in 1971

At first glance, this group of figures shows a couple in a tight embrace. But rather than depicting a loving caress, the artist filled the relationship between man and woman with tension: The sculptor Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) addressed the eternal, effusive male adoration of the female and the superiority of the woman over the man. While the man’s submissive stance reveals dependency and respect, the woman draws back in rejection. The wish to express love, sensuality and passion in all their facets permeated the sculptor’s oeuvre. This is illustrated by Rodin’s Symbolist approach, which allowed for sensual and emotional impressions to dominate and for a special emphasis to be placed on subjective perception.

AK, 2021