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Pierre de Wiessant, Colossal Head (Pierre de Wissant, tête colossale)

European Art

Rodin produced the final head of Pierre de Wiessant as an independent sculpture in three sizes—small, life-size, and this version: colossal. Isolation and enlargement amplify the burgher’s introspective agony to an almost unbearable intensity.
MEDIUM Bronze
  • Place Made: France
  • DATES ca. 1910; cast 1973
    DIMENSIONS 32 3/8 x 19 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (82.2 x 49.5 x 54 cm)  (show scale)
    MARKINGS Back, base: "Susse Fondeur Paris" Copyright mark--Base, lower edge, proper left: "© by MUSEE RODIN 1973"
    SIGNATURE Base, proper right: "A. Rodin"
    INSCRIPTIONS Base, proper right, below signature: "No 5"
    COLLECTIONS European Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 84.75.20
    CREDIT LINE Gift of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Auguste Rodin (French, 1840-1917). Pierre de Wiessant, Colossal Head (Pierre de Wissant, tête colossale), ca. 1910; cast 1973. Bronze, 32 3/8 x 19 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (82.2 x 49.5 x 54 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 84.75.20. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 84.75.20_bw.jpg)
    EDITION Edition: 5/12
    IMAGE overall, 84.75.20_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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