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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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