The Prodigal Son

Vue de l'oeuvre

- Diaporama

    The Prodigal Son

    Auguste Rodin (1840 -1917)

    Cast made for the museum’s collection by the Alexis Rudier foundry in 1942.

    Taut as a bow string, this male figure was originally part of the group called Ugolino and His Sons that Rodin created for The Gates of Hell. The head and torso of one of Ugolino’s sons―previously used for the male figure in the group Fugit Amor―were reworked here, assembled with different legs. This way of composing new works from pre-existing fragments was central to Rodin’s creative process; indeed, he began to spend less time modeling new sculptures and more time assembling existing pieces.
     
    In its enlarged form, the work gained a dramatic intensity befitting its subject―the biblical parable of the prodigal son, who threw himself at his father’s feet to beg forgiveness for his past ingratitude. By accentuating certain details, such as the hands, and positioning the figure in an unbalanced pose, Rodin endowed this tormented figure with the fervor of a final prayer

     

    The artwork in the museum

    Permanent collections – ground floor, Room 5

    We cannot guarantee the presence of all our artworks; some may be out on loan. 

    Discover the themes related to the work

    Date of conception :

    1905

    Dimensions :

    H. 138 cm ; W. 87 cm ; D. 75 cm

    Materials :

    Bronze

    Inventory number :

    S.01130

    Credits :

    © Photographic Agency of musée Rodin - Jérome Manoukian

    Additional information

    Iconographie

    • The Prodigal Son(zip, 1208.4 ko)