Origin of the Greek Vase
In a 1911 interview, Rodin described his discovery of this pose during a session with a model. He spoke of recognizing in her form "a vase with exquisite curves, the amphora which contains the life of the future within." Rodin was keenly interested in antique vases—he amassed a collection of more than six thousand vases of ancient, medieval, and Asian origin. The "vase-woman" became a recurring motif in his drawings during the first decade of the twentieth century.
Artwork Details
- Title: Origin of the Greek Vase
- Artist: Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)
- Date: 1900–1910
- Medium: Graphite, watercolor, and gouache
- Dimensions: 19 3/8 x 12 5/8 in. (49.2 x 32.1 cm)
- Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Gift of Thomas F. Ryan, 1913
- Object Number: 13.164.2
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Auguste Rodin
modeled probably before 1889, cast before 1912
Auguste Rodin
last quarter 19th–early 20th century
Auguste Rodin
20th century
Auguste Rodin
1882–85
Auguste Rodin
1882–85
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