Iris, Messenger of the Gods

Auguste Rodin|Alexis Rudier

modeled ca. 1890, cast 1965 · Bronze, black marble base · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This unabashedly erotic partial figure was inspired by Rodin’s interest in dance. Extending her legs in mid-flight, the messenger of the gods is rendered weightless through her acrobatic pose. A large-scale winged version, symbolizing poetic inspiration, was originally intended for Rodin’s monument to the Romantic poet Victor Hugo.

Artist

Auguste Rodin|Alexis Rudier

Date

modeled ca. 1890, cast 1965

Medium

Bronze, black marble base

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 1984