Who painted Allegory of Spring?

Allegory of Spring was painted by Auguste Rodin in 1885.

Where can I see Allegory of Spring?

Allegory of Spring is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Allegory of Spring?

Allegory of Spring is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Allegory of Spring

Auguste Rodin , 1885

Allegory of Spring is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Auguste Rodin. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Allegory of Spring is a 1885 drypoint print by French sculptor Auguste Rodin, featuring a nude female figure surrounded by six cherubs in a dynamic composition.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a nude woman with long hair, arms clasped around her body and legs crossed, encircled by six cherubs around her head and shoulders. This allegorical scene aligns with Rodin's practice of reinterpreting traditional themes through expressive forms.

Technique & Style

Executed in drypoint on paper, the work showcases Rodin's expressive use of black ink on a beige background, with visible cross-hatching and shading techniques that convey a sense of movement and energy.

History & Provenance

Created in 1885, the print reflects Rodin's experimental approach to two-dimensional media, paralleling his innovative sculptural work.

Context

While primarily a sculptor, Rodin's prints like Allegory of Spring demonstrate his exploration of allegory and expressive figural representation across media, characteristic of his broader artistic philosophy.

Legacy

Allegory of Spring, though a lesser-known aspect of Rodin's oeuvre, highlights his versatility and influence on modern artistic expression, both in sculpture and printmaking.

Artist & collection

Artist

Auguste Rodin

François Auguste René Rodin (; French: ; 12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917) was a French sculptor generally considered the founder of modern sculpture.