Artwork
Rodin
Rodin is an ink print by Timothy Cole. It dates from 1926 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Timothy Cole’s 1926 wood engraving titled “Rodin” presents a monochrome portrait of a bearded man with curly hair. The figure is rendered in profile, his forehead and eye area marked by pronounced incisions that emphasize texture. A plain background isolates the sitter, allowing the intricate surface work to dominate the composition.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a mature male subject, distinguished by a full beard and thoughtful expression. While the identity is not specified, the emphasis on facial lines and the solemn pose suggest an intention to capture character and presence rather than a narrative scene.
Technique & Style
Cole employed fine, intersecting lines—a cross‑hatching method—to model light and shadow across the portrait. By varying the density and direction of these strokes, he achieved a subtle gradation that gives the face a three‑dimensional quality despite the flat wooden matrix.
History & Provenance
Created in 1926, the engraving is part of Cole’s broader body of work translating paintings and drawings into print form. As a wood engraving, it reflects the early twentieth‑century revival of traditional printmaking techniques, and it remains catalogued under the title “Rodin.”
Artist & collection
