The Hand of God

Main Gallery

Rodin Museum

The Hand of God

Modeled 1898; cast 1925

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

Comparing the art of sculpture to the divine process of creation, Rodin once said, “When God created the world, it is of modeling he must have thought first of all.” Here, Rodin realizes this metaphor in sculptural form; God’s hand cradles a rock from which male and female figures emerge. The two may represent Adam and Eve or simply “man” and “woman.”

Rodin Museum, Main Gallery

Object Details

Titles:

The Hand of God

Date:

Modeled 1898; cast 1925

Artists:

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

Medium:

Bronze

Dimensions:

26 3/4 x 17 1/2 x 21 1/2 inches (67.9 x 44.4 x 54.6 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Bequest of Jules E. Mastbaum, 1929

Accession Number:

F1929-7-69

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

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Main Gallery

Rodin Museum