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Mrs. Russell (Mariana Mattioco della Torre)

Founder Cast by Georges Rudier French
modeled 1888, cast 1979
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 800
Mariana Russell, the wife of the Impressionist painter John Peter Russell, modeled for Rodin’s sculptures of ancient goddesses. Likely inspired by her evenly proportioned, classical features, the artist portrayed her variously as Ceres, Minerva, and Athena. In 1888 Rodin modeled her portrait in wax; this later bronze cast captures her dignified beauty. Her hair is pulled back, emphasizing her broad jaw, strong nose, and full lips. She appears aloof yet feeling, simple yet intelligent: a woman of depth and character. Rodin often expressed his preference for frank portraiture: "Even the most insignificant head is the dwelling-place of life . . . and so offers inexhaustible matter for the masterpiece."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mrs. Russell (Mariana Mattioco della Torre)
  • Artist: Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)
  • Founder: Cast by Georges Rudier (French)
  • Date: modeled 1888, cast 1979
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Silvered bronze, black marble base
  • Dimensions: Height (wt. confirmed): 13 7/8 in., 18.6 lb. (35.2 cm, 8.5 kg); Height (on block): 19 3/8 in. (49.2 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Bronze
  • Credit Line: Gift of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.37.3
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

More Artwork
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The Head of Mrs. Russell, Auguste Rodin French, Cast plaster, French
The Head of Mrs. Russell
Auguste Rodin
modeled ca. 1890, cast before 1912
Young woman, Auguste Rodin French, Cast plaster, French
Young woman
Auguste Rodin
modeled probably before 1889, cast before 1912
Study of a hand, Auguste Rodin French, Cast plaster, French
Study of a hand
Auguste Rodin
last quarter 19th–early 20th century
Study of a hand, Auguste Rodin French, Cast plaster, French
Study of a hand
Auguste Rodin
20th century
Bust of Bellona, Auguste Rodin French, Drypoint, third state of three, before bevelled plate
Bust of Bellona
Auguste Rodin
1882–85

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