The Thinker
The Thinker is perhaps the best known of all Rodin's sculptures. The concentration and the tension of this thinker, rendered universal in his nudity, constitutes a compelling symbol of hope and of faith in mankind.
The Thinker is 71.5 cms high. It was first exhibited in 1888. It was transported with its pedestal to the gardens of the Hotel Biron in 1923.
Between Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, The Thinker sits atop his pillar among the box trees, facing The Gates of Hell on the other side of the garden (designed in 1920 after the demolition of the outbuildings that once bordered the Hôtel Biron).
Rodin would first make a clay model, when he was satisfied, he would turn it over to a moulder who would make a first plaster cast. Later he could make changes on the plaster or enlarge the model through a mechanical process. Then he could go on to execute it in marble or cast in in bronze by a foundry. Hence there could be more one size or medium of the same sculpture.
The Thinker
The Thinker is perhaps the best known of all Rodin's sculptures. The concentration and the tension of this thinker, rendered universal in his nudity, constitutes a compelling symbol of hope and of faith in mankind.
The Thinker is 71.5 cms high. It was first exhibited in 1888. It was transported with its pedestal to the gardens of the Hotel Biron in 1923.
Between Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, The Thinker sits atop his pillar among the box trees, facing The Gates of Hell on the other side of the garden (designed in 1920 after the demolition of the outbuildings that once bordered the Hôtel Biron).
Rodin would first make a clay model, when he was satisfied, he would turn it over to a moulder who would make a first plaster cast. Later he could make changes on the plaster or enlarge the model through a mechanical process. Then he could go on to execute it in marble or cast in in bronze by a foundry. Hence there could be more one size or medium of the same sculpture.