Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917). <em>Suzon</em>, before 1875; cast between 1875–1939. Bronze, 16 x 7 1/4 x 7 1/4 in. (40.6 x 18.4 x 18.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 84.75.11. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 84.75.11_bw.jpg)

Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917). Suzon, before 1875; cast between 1875–1939. Bronze, 16 x 7 1/4 x 7 1/4 in. (40.6 x 18.4 x 18.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 84.75.11. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 84.75.11_bw.jpg)

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Why is this bronze bust so much more gold than the others?

It has to do with the way that the surface was treated. This golden color is actually the "true" color of bronze. The more common dark brown color is a result of potassium sulfide being applied to the surface which then reacts with the copper in the bronze.

Why is Suzon the only piece that looks the color of Bronze although that is not the newest piece?

Many of Rodin's works were treated after being cast with patina that would affect the finish of the bronze!

Interesting. Thank you!

You're welcome!

How come this Rodin statue has a blue/teal hue to it? All the other bronze statues have that familiar black/copper undertone. Is it a different material? Also, why is bronze black?

Each of Rodin's sculptures is treated with a combination of chemicals whose purpose is to change the surface color and finish, or patina, of the bronze cast. During his life, Rodin was very specific about the patina of his works with colors ranging from dark, almost black, to green, to even gold!

Dark brown patinas were achieved by applying potassium sulfides to the surface. Green is a natural result of oxidation of the copper in bronze but can also be achieved by adding chlorides to the surface.

You'll notice a sculpture that looks almost like gold in this show, which is much closer to the natural color of bronze. It is the bust of a woman called "Suzon."

Yeah Suzon looks like an Olympic medal. Every one else looks like they were hewn out of a mountainside. Thank you for your help!

Suzon

European Art

This animated portrait bust dates from Rodin’s sojourn in Brussels, where he lived and worked between 1871 and 1877. He went there as part of the workshop of sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, who left Paris—socially and economically devastated in those years after a defeat in the Franco-Prussian War—for the better sales and commission opportunities Belgium offered.

Suzon exemplifies the ornamental Neo-Rococo style Rodin practiced in this period. In 1875, Rodin sold his design to Compagnie des Bronzes, along with the rights for unlimited reproduction. The company reproduced this enormously popular sculpture by the thousands, in a variety of materials and sizes, until at least 1939.

ARTIST Auguste Rodin, French, 1840–1917

CAST BY Compagnie des Bronzes, Brussels

MEDIUM Bronze

Place Made: Belgium

DATES before 1875; cast between 1875–1939

DIMENSIONS 16 x 7 1/4 x 7 1/4 in. (40.6 x 18.4 x 18.4 cm) (show scale)

SIGNATURE Proper left shoulder: "A. Rodin"

INSCRIPTIONS Back, lower edge: "7347"

COLLECTIONS European Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 84.75.11

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). Suzon, before 1875; cast between 1875–1939. Bronze, 16 x 7 1/4 x 7 1/4 in. (40.6 x 18.4 x 18.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 84.75.11. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 84.75.11_bw.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 84.75.11_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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