Pope Benedict XV (1854–1922)

Auguste Rodin|Alexis Rudier

modeled 1915, cast probably before 1950 · Bronze, marble base · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

One of Rodin's last works, this portrait is the product of three or four rapid and none-too-graciously granted sittings. It is sometimes described as being unfinished and obviously Rodin took much less benign attitude toward the Pope than he had toward Victor Hugo, another recalcitrant subject, whose portrait is in the Museum's collection.

Artist

Auguste Rodin|Alexis Rudier

Date

modeled 1915, cast probably before 1950

Medium

Bronze, marble base

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 1984