The Head of Mrs. Russell
Auguste Rodin French
This plaster cast of a study of Mariana Russell’s head is one of several works that Rodin donated to The Met in 1912. It resembles The Met's 1888 portrait in bronze (1986.37.3), and Rodin probably made it in preparation for one of the classicizing sculptures for which she modeled. The head’s straight alignment accentuates the angular features that the artist admired in his sitter, and its matte surface evokes a marble carving.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.