The Left Hand

Main Gallery

Rodin Museum

The Left Hand

Modeled c. 1885; cast 1925

Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917) Cast by the founder Alexis Rudier, Paris (1874–1952)

Rodin explored the expressive power of hands almost obsessively, using them to convey an infinite variety of emotions—fury, anguish, fatigue—and as metaphors for creation. It is thought that he conceived The Left Hand as a study for The Burghers of Calais (Philadelphia Museum of Art, F1929-7-129) but probably rejected the hands as being too fiercely animated.

Rodin Museum, Main Gallery

Object Details

Titles:

The Left Hand

Date:

Modeled c. 1885; cast 1925

Artists:

Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917) Cast by the founder Alexis Rudier, Paris (1874–1952)

Medium:

Bronze

Dimensions:

18 x 10 5/8 x 6 1/2 inches (45.7 x 27 x 16.5 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Bequest of Jules E. Mastbaum, 1929

Accession Number:

F1929-7-32

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Main Gallery

Rodin Museum