H. de Roos - The critique of the toronto exhibition


4. THE PLASTERS WOULD BE TOO DAMAGED FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION (2)

THE ROLE OF ACCIDENTS AND DAMAGE IN RODINīS WORK (3)

 

A second example of a damaged Thinker plaster is the reduced version in the Maryhill Collection, Washington. The story tells us, Rodin did not like its appearance, and broke off the right foot. It would make no sense to claim, this intervention solved the problem. Still, Rodin did not throw the plaster away, but even dedicated it to Loie Fuller. And instead of hiding the plaster in the storeroom, the Maryhill staff has displayed it as an example of Rodinīs way of dealing with incomplete figures and accidents. In this sense, it has one the most prominent pieces of the Maryhill collection. Even for visitors who do not appreciate Rodinīs approach , this little Thinker with its broken leg has become of symbol of the artistīs attitude:

Glenda and I recently visited the Maryhill Museum in the Gorge as part of our wedding anniversary celebration. One of the permanent displays is a collection of Auguste Rodin's sculpture. (...)The plaster miniature of "The Thinker" on display is missing its right foot and shin! The life-size plaster caste of "Eve" is unfinished because the model, who was pregnant, stopped attending sessions in her last trimester. Rodin learned to accept these types of experience as normal in this fallen world. Humanity is fractured beyond repair.

[From: www.evergreenpca.com/epc9809.htm]


Thinker plaster in the Maryhill collection, reduced by Lebossé, 38 x 19.5 x 18.5 cm. Inscription below left foot:
"A Loie - Rodin". Photo: Donald A. Hull, in: Rodin, the Maryhill Collection, Washington State University Press, 1976

 

     

 

 

 

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