Who painted Victor Hugo, De Face?

Victor Hugo, De Face was painted by Auguste Rodin in 1886.

Where can I see Victor Hugo, De Face?

Victor Hugo, De Face is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Victor Hugo, De Face?

Victor Hugo, De Face is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Victor Hugo, De Face

Auguste Rodin , 1886

Victor Hugo, De Face is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Rodin. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Victor Hugo, De Face is a drypoint print created by Auguste Rodin in 1886, concurrently with his iconic sculptural works. This portrait captures the likeness of renowned French writer Victor Hugo in profile.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the print is Victor Hugo, depicted in a profile view, highlighting Rodin's ability to convey character through sculptural and graphic means. The accompanying smaller sketch of a hand, possibly holding a pipe or tool, adds a layer of intimacy to the portrait.

Technique & Style

Executed in drypoint, the work showcases Rodin's experimental approach to printmaking, mirroring the expressive, textured quality of his sculptural practice. Quick, sketchy lines and varied line weights evoke a sense of spontaneity and study.

History & Provenance

Created in 1886, during a period of intense creative output for Rodin, this print reflects the artist's simultaneous engagement with sculpture and printmaking. The worn paper and expressive marks suggest a rapidly executed study.

Context

Victor Hugo, De Face was produced alongside Rodin's monumental projects, such as The Thinker and The Burghers of Calais, illustrating the artist's capacity to balance large-scale sculptural endeavors with more intimate graphic explorations.

Legacy

As part of Rodin's print oeuvre, Victor Hugo, De Face contributes to the broader recognition of his innovative, expressive approach to both sculpture and graphic art, influencing subsequent generations of artists across mediums.

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.