Skip to Main Content

Rodin - The Thinker

1902
(American, 1879–1973)
America
Gelatin silver print
Image: 36.2 x 43.8 cm (14 1/4 x 17 1/4 in.); Paper: 36.5 x 44 cm (14 3/8 x 17 5/16 in.); Matted: 55.9 x 66 cm (22 x 26 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Mann 1989.399
Location: not on view
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

This image was created from two different negatives printed together.

Description

When Steichen arrived in Paris in 1900, August Rodin (1840–1917) was regarded not only as the finest living sculptor but also as one of the greatest artists of the time. Steichen visited Rodin's studio in 1901, and the sculptor, upon seeing the young photographer's work, agreed to sit for a portrait. Steichen spent a year studying Rodin among his creations, finally choosing to depict the artist in front of the newly carved white marble Monument to Victor Hugo, facing a bronze of The Thinker. Stiechen did not have a wide-angle lens when he photographed Rodin, and the sculptures and blocks of marble filled the artist's studio to capacity, so two separate shots were required. Posed in relief against his work, Rodin seems to contemplate The Thinker as his alter ego, while the luminous carved figure of the great French author Victor Hugo (1802–1885) suggests poetic inspiration as the source of the sculptor's creativity.
Rodin - The Thinker

Rodin - The Thinker

1902

Edward Steichen

(American, 1879–1973)
America

See Also

Videos

Pictorialist Photography in America

Visually Similar by AI

    CMA Store

    The Thinker Snow Globe
    Auguste Rodin's The Thinker dates to the late 19th century. Beloved by millions, the sculpture has been cast 28 times and is in collections around the world. Gain a new perspectives on your own thoughts as you hold The Thinker in your hands. Keep your globe out of direct sunlight. Sunlight shining through the water is a magnifier and can cause a fire. Sunlight can also cause the water to discolor. Dust with a soft cloth. Glass cleaner is fine on the globe. CoolSnowGlobes are made of glass and are not toys for children.
    The Thinker Snow Globe
    The Thinker • Enamel Pin
    1.4" x 1" 3D Relief Pin Single Posted Rubber Clasp
    The Thinker • Enamel Pin
    Auguste Rodin
    by Jane Mayo Roos Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) was the foremost sculptor of the nineteenth century, creating such iconic, profoundly expressive works as The Kiss, The Thinker, and The Gates of Hell. In this engaging monograph, Jane Mayo Roos gives an informative overview of the life and works of Rodin and treats all his major works in their biographical, social, and historical context.From his early sculptures made during his pursuit of recognition by the art establishment to his high-profile portraits and public commissions, numerous illustrations present Rodin's works in situ and in detail. They are accompanied by drawings and contemporary photographs of maquettes and of the artist with his work. The greatest sculptures, including The Burghers of Calais and portraits of Victor Hugo and Honore de Balzac, are thoroughly examined through accounts of their commission, design, and making. 208 pages Published 2010
    Auguste Rodin
    Thinker Socks
    Artist: Auguste Rodin Created: modeled 1880 – 81 Dimensions (cm): Enlarged 1902 -4, cast 1919 Format: Bronze Location: Rodin Museum A collaboration with the Rodin Museum of the Philadelphia Museum of Art that is sure to get you thinking... 80% Combed Cotton, 17% Polyamide, 3% Elastane. Made in Portugal using the most advanced craftsmanship to produce the finest seamless socks. Wash inside out (40ºC/100ºF max). Do not tumble dry, iron.
    Thinker Socks

    Contact us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

    To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

    All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.