Artwork

Victor Hugo, De Trois Quarts

Victor Hugo, De Trois Quarts, by Auguste Rodin, ink, 1884
Victor Hugo, De Trois Quarts, by Auguste Rodin, ink, 1884

Victor Hugo, De Trois Quarts is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Rodin. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Victor Hugo, De Trois Quarts is a 1884 drypoint print by Auguste Rodin, depicting a portrait of the renowned writer Victor Hugo in a contemplative state.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures Victor Hugo in a bearded, profiled pose, slightly turned towards the viewer, emphasizing his facial features and introspective demeanor.

Technique & Style

Rodin employed loose, quick drypoint strokes to achieve a deeply textured effect, particularly in Hugo's beard and hair, prioritizing expressive lines over refined details.

History & Provenance

Created in 1884, this work showcases Rodin's departure from traditional sculpture, extending his expressive modeling techniques to printmaking.

Context

This piece aligns with an artistic movement favoring rapid, expressive mark-making, reflecting Rodin's broader challenge to conventional figurative representation.

Legacy

Victor Hugo, De Trois Quarts contributes to Rodin's legacy as a pioneer of modern sculpture, demonstrating his versatility across mediums and his emphasis on capturing the essence of his subjects.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Auguste Rodin

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.