La Douleur (de la Porte)

model 1889, cast 1983

Auguste Rodin

Associated Names
Auguste Rodin

Sculptor, French, 1840 - 1917

The sculpture depicts a nude human figure on its knees, with arms raised overhead and elbows bent. The figure is shown from the back, against a rough textured vertical surface. The sculpture is cast in dark bronze, highlighting the details of the human form against the background.

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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

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The sculpture depicts a nude human figure kneeling with their back turned to the viewer, arms raised, and hands resting on a textured surface behind them. The figure appears in a posture that suggests they may be leaning or resting against the rock-like structure. The sculpture is crafted from a material with a smooth finish that resembles white plaster, emphasizing the contours and form of the figure. From the perspective shown, the figure is centered in the composition, and the light color creates a stark contrast against the gray background, allowing the details of the figure's anatomy and the rougher texture of the surface behind them to be clearly seen.

Lost-Wax Casting Display: plaster model [first of ten steps]

Coubertin Factory

1990

The sculpture is made from two materials: a white stone-like material forming the inner section and a light orange or amber-colored resin material making up the outer layer. It has a cavernous design with textured surfaces on the white material. The front view displays a central cavity with symmetrical grooves inside. The sculpture has a flat base and an outline shape that allows it to stand upright, hinting at its relation to sculpting or casting processes.

Lost-Wax Casting Display: mold, front half [second of ten steps]

Coubertin Factory

1990

The sculpture depicts the back view of a human figure kneeling with elbows bent and hands resting on the back of the head. The figure is carved in relief against a textured, cylindrical form. The color of the sculpture is light brown or beige, with a rough, stone-like texture. Thin metal rods protrude horizontally and perpendicularly from the sculpted form. The sculpture sits on a circular base.

Lost-Wax Casting Display: clay model [third of ten steps]

Coubertin Factory

1990

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Cast 1983 for Mr. and Mrs. B. Gerald Cantor, New York; gift 1992 to NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

proper left top of base: A Rodin / No II/IV; center back: LA PORTE DELENFER 1977-1981 / DON DE B. GERALD CANTOR; lower edge back: (Coubertin Foundry stamp) c. by Musée Rodin 1983

Markings

FM: Coubertin Foundry stamp

Wikidata ID

Q63860729

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