Paolo and Francesca
European Art
Paolo and Francesca is one of only two direct references in The Gates of Hell to the “Inferno” portion of Dante’s Divine Comedy. Dante encounters the couple in the second circle of Hell, where carnal sinners are punished. There, the condemned and slain pair, whose love was unconsummated, are together forever, constantly reminded of their first kiss but unable to satisfy their most passionate desires. Francesca confesses to Dante that there is “no greater grief than to recall a bygone happiness.” Rodin accentuated their eternal frustration by inserting a mass between their writhing bodies.
For Paolo’s yearning and tender face, Rodin reused his small Head of Sorrow (seen nearby).
For Paolo’s yearning and tender face, Rodin reused his small Head of Sorrow (seen nearby).
CAST BY
Georges Rudier Fondeur, Paris
MEDIUM
Bronze
DATES
before 1886, cast 1981
DIMENSIONS
11 3/4 x 23 1/4 x 10 5/8 in. (29.8 x 59.1 x 27.0 cm) (show scale)
MARKINGS
On base, below female figure's buttocks:
".Georges Rudier./.Fondeur. Paris."
On shelf supporting male figure's extended foot: "© by Musée Rodin 1981"
SIGNATURE
Behind male figure: "A. Rodin No 4"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
86.1
CREDIT LINE
Gift of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917). Paolo and Francesca, before 1886, cast 1981. Bronze, 11 3/4 x 23 1/4 x 10 5/8 in. (29.8 x 59.1 x 27.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 86.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 86.1_SL1.jpg)
EDITION
Edition: 4/12
IMAGE
overall, 86.1_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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