Artwork
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin is an ink print by the Impressionist artist John Henry Ellsworth Whitney. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
John Henry Ellsworth Whitney created a wood engraving portrait of French sculptor Auguste Rodin around 1884. The print captures Rodin in a contemplative pose at a desk.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Auguste Rodin, is depicted with hands resting on a piece of clay, subtly referencing his profession as a sculptor. The composition conveys a sense of introspection.
Technique & Style
Whitney employed wood engraving, carving each line by hand on a wood block to achieve sharp, detailed renderings of Rodin's facial features and attire. Tiny, layered lines were used to construct nuanced shadows and shapes.
History & Provenance
Created in the 1880s, this work reflects Whitney's period preference for detailed figure printing. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
This engraving sits within the broader context of late 19th-century printmaking, where manual techniques like wood engraving were valued for their precision and textural quality.
Artist & collection
