Artwork
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin is a print by Anders Zorn. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1906 by Swedish artist Anders Zorn, this print—titled “Auguste Rodin”—is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a close-up portrait of a bearded man, rendered with vigorous, uneven lines that convey a sense of immediacy and vitality.
Subject & Meaning
The figure depicted is a man with a full, curly beard and wavy hair, his head turned slightly away and his eyes closed. The closed eyes and relaxed pose suggest a moment of introspection or repose, inviting viewers to contemplate the inner character of the sitter rather than a formal likeness.
Technique & Style
Zorn employed rapid, scratchy strokes characteristic of his sketching practice, allowing the ink or charcoal to build a textured surface. The uneven application creates a lively, almost chaotic visual rhythm, emphasizing the movement of hair and the contours of the face while preserving the spontaneity of a quick study.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings after its acquisition in the early 20th century, joining a broader assemblage of Zorn’s works. Its presence in the museum’s collection reflects the institution’s commitment to representing early modern European printmaking alongside its larger holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anders Leonard Zorn was born in February 1860 in Mora, Dalarna, the illegitimate son of a Bavarian brewer and a Swedish farmer's daughter; his mother died shortly after his birth, and his grandparents raised him.
