Artwork
Antonin Proust
Antonin Proust is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Rodin. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1885, *Antonin Proust* is a dry‑point print by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The image presents a profile of an elderly man, rendered with minimal, gestural lines that emphasize form over detail. The work exemplifies Rodin’s interest in quick studies that capture the essence of a subject.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a mature male figure, his hair drawn back and a short beard framing a face marked by pronounced wrinkles. The stark side view highlights the passage of time and the character’s lived experience, inviting contemplation of age and identity.
Technique & Style
Rodin employed dry‑point, incising lines directly onto a metal plate. The resulting print is characterized by loose, sketch‑like strokes that suggest skin texture without filling in interior spaces. The light, rapid marks convey a sense of immediacy, making the image feel more like a preparatory study than a polished final work.
History & Provenance
The print emerged during a period when Rodin was exploring drawing and printmaking alongside his sculptural practice. Though primarily known for his monumental bronzes, he produced a series of intimate paper studies such as this one, reflecting his broader artistic investigations in the late 1880s.
Artist & collection
Artist
François Auguste René Rodin (; French: ; 12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917) was a French sculptor generally considered the founder of modern sculpture.
