The Thinker by Auguste Rodin - Rodin Museum, Paris
The Thinker is a famous sculpture by French sculptor François Auguste René that is part of the collection of Rodin sculptures at the Rodin Museum ( Musée Rodin) in Paris.
The Rodin Museum is located in a classic 18th-century mansion called Hôtel Biron, which is nestled just behind Les Invalides in the 7th arrondissement. The elegant, two-story hôtel particulier overlooks seven acres of manicured lawns, rose gardens, and sculptures by Rodin dotted amongst rows of perfectly-pruned trees.
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Auguste Rodin - The Founder of Modern Sculpture
François Auguste René Rodin, or Auguste Rodin as he is commonly referred to, is considered the founder of modern sculpture. He was schooled traditionally and has been described as taking a craftsman-like approach to his work, and creating complex models with his signature deeply, pocketed surface models.
There is so much to love about Rodin Museum and so many significant and famous works to share with you, that this post focuses on The Thinker by Auguste Rodin and my post, Why Rodin Museum is the Most Beautiful Museum in Paris shares the history of Hôtel Biron, how the French State came to own Rodin's artwork, what to see and do and an in-depth study of Rodin's major sculptures. It will be your complete insider's guide to visiting the Rodin Museum.
The Monumental Thinker
The original Thinker was created in 1880 for The Gates of Hell (which you can read about in depth here). With its blend of calm and strength, The Thinker became world-renowned as a symbol of hope and faith in humanity. The original model was only about 70 centimetres but the monumental Thinker measures nearly 2 metres. The monumental model was installed in front of the Panthéon in 1906 and transferred to the Rodin Museum in 1922.
Rodin's Thinker is his most famous work. Just about everyone knows this figure of a naked man sitting on a rock with his feet tense and his body twisted and off balance. He sits meditating, his head resting on the back of his hand. The inspiration for the figure was taken from the Gates of Hell.
Very early on, Rodin had the idea of including above his gate, a figure representing Dante, the author of the Divine Comedy. The Thinker was initially entitled, The Poet. He leans forward and observes the damned wandering hell for eternity. The image of the thinker pondering his creation became synonymous with Rodin himself. In 1903, The Thinker shot to fame and has held its fame ever since.
The Enlargement of The Thinker to the Monumental Thinker
The enlargement of The Thinker from 70 centimetres to 2 metres gave the worker even more universal character, and because of its nudity and un-attachment to any specific period in time, The Thinker is universal. The Thinker's powerful and muscular body unsettled many of Rodin's contemporaries who found the artistic choice inappropriate.
However Rodin responded "My idea was to represent the man as a symbol of humanity, a robust workman like figure. He stops mid task to think about things, to exercise his faculty, which distinguishes him from the animals."
The Monumental Thinker In the Garden of Rodin
The exact location of The Thinker in the garden of the Rodin Museum is no coincidence, it was carefully thought out.
The placement was carefully carried out by the executor of Rodin's will, who following Rodin's wishes created a stunning 360° visual journey. The garden was designed as a triangle with two trees creating a triumphal perspective from The Gates of Hell, left past The Thinker, as far as the Eiffel Tower, continuing left you see the Dome of the Invalids, and finally left to the Hôtel Biron itself. You'll take in an entire architectural history of Paris in one sweeping gaze.
Turning to the right from the Monumental Thinker you can see The Gates of Hell which are also illuminated in the evening and highlight the small-format Thinker (the original Thinker), on the tympanum dead centre.
The Thinker in Midnight in Paris Film by Woody Allen
In the Woody Allen fantasy comedy film Midnight in Paris staring Owen Wilson, an early scene is a visit to the Rodin Museum where the four main characters are admiring The Thinker. Paul flexes his faux knowledge of Rodin until he is corrected by the guide and Gil Pender (played by Wilson).
Paris has been the backdrop for many films, including Midnight in Paris, one of my favourite films set in Paris. A good movie watcher's book that features 101 legendary Paris addresses that inspired great movies, is The Film LOVER'S Paris. It's easy to read, an excellent guide book for a trip to Paris and a good gift idea for someone who loves films. You can buy it here.
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