Auguste Rodin and Alexis Rudier, Paris
Bust of Victor Hugo
1882
Scroll
Physical Qualities
Bronze, 18 x 10 x 10 in. (45.7 x 25.4 x25.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Therese and Richard Lansburgh, Baltimore
Object Number
1998.531
Victor Hugo, France’s greatest romantic writer and author
of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables, had just
celebrated his eightieth birthday when Rodin was introduced
to him in 1883. Rodin was impressed by the writer’s bearing
and observed, “I thought I had seen a French Jupiter.” Having
already posed for two other sculptors, Hugo was reluctant to
sit for yet another portrait but eventually agreed to tolerate
the sculptor’s presence. It is said that he never formally
posed. Instead, Rodin made countless small drawings
and relied on memory as he modeled the head.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by partial and promised gift, 1998; remaining 50% interest transferred, 2014; Therese and Richard Lansburgh, Baltimore
The Baltimore Museum of Art, "New on View", June 19-Oct. 6, 2002.
Oliver C. Shell, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Rodin: Expression and Influence", August 1, 2007-April 6, 2008.
Rena Hoisington, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "New Arrivals: Gifts of Art for a New Century", February 7-May 8, 2016.
Oliver C. Shell, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "Rodin: Expression and Influence", August 1, 2007-April 6, 2008.
Rena Hoisington, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "New Arrivals: Gifts of Art for a New Century", February 7-May 8, 2016.
