Auguste Rodin (French, 1840-1917) The Juggler

Description:

Auguste Rodin (French, 1840-1917)

The Juggler alternatively titled The Acrobat or Fauns Playing
Signed and inscribed "A. Rodin/No 3" on the side of the supporting figure's head, stamped "Georges Rudier/Fondeur PARIS" on the underside.
Bronze (sand cast) with brown-green patina, height 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm).
Condition: Dust and dirt to interstices.

Provenance: A private New Hampshire collection, previously on loan to the Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, New Hampshire.

Literature: Antoinette Le Normand-Romain, , Hélène Marraud, Diane Tytgat, Dominique Viéville, Jacques Vilain, Ruth Butler, and Auguste Rodin, The Bronzes of Rodin: Catalogue of Works in the Museé Rodin (Paris: Musée Rodin, 2007),pp. 475-6.

N.B. It is believed that Rodin conceived the idea for this sculpture of two acrobats between 1892 and 1895, at the time he was researching movement and different ways to present the figure. The artist may have found inspiration for the composition in the circus, in fairground stalls, and in the dance halls of Montmartre.

Rodin was known to combine fragments of works into new combinations. This pair of acrobats is made of a male nude, known from a terra-cotta sketch now at the Musée Rodin, and a small seated female figure, both of which have appeared in various other Rodin compositions.

This bronze is No. 3 of the twelve casts by Georges Rudier between 1953 and 1960. Cast No. 0 was created for the Musée Rodin in 1953. Since cast No 8 is dated to c. 1956, it would suggest that this particular cast, No. 3, was cast prior to 1956.
Estimate $25,000-35,000

There are no other issues to report.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords