Artwork
Figure Facing Forward
Figure Facing Forward is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Auguste Rodin. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Figure Facing Forward is a 1878 drawing by Auguste Rodin, a French sculptor known for innovating modern sculpture. The work is executed in graphite and watercolor on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a nude figure standing with one arm bent and the other relaxed by their side. The figure's pose and the artist's emphasis on movement over detail suggest a focus on capturing a moment or gesture.
Technique & Style
Rodin employed a range of techniques, from quick, sketchy lines for the hair and surrounding elements to smooth watercolor washes for the body. The loose, flowing lines and rough edges convey a sense of movement and spontaneity.
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.
