Ugolino and his Sons: Fifth Day (recto); Dante and Virgil: Anatomical Studies (verso)

ca. 1875–1880

Not on view

Drawing was essential to Rodin’s process of translating episodes from Dante Alighieri’s medieval epic "Inferno" into visual form for his monumental commission "The Gates of Hell." The story of Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, a traitor who was imprisoned, condemned to starvation, and ultimately resorted to eating the flesh of his own sons, particularly captured Rodin’s imagination. His depiction emphasizes their agony by exposing the tense musculature in their tormented bodies.

Artwork Details

Title: Ugolino and his Sons: Fifth Day (recto); Dante and Virgil: Anatomical Studies (verso)
Artist: Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)
Date: ca. 1875–1880
Medium: Pen and brown ink, graphite, and traces of brown ink wash on graph paper
Dimensions: Sheet: 6 1/8 x 3 3/4 in. (15.6 x 9.6 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Anonymous Gift, 2012
Object Number: 2012.222.2a, b
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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