Mrs. Russell (Mariana Mattioco della Torre)

Auguste Rodin|Georges Rudier

modeled 1888, cast 1979 · Silvered bronze, black marble base · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Mariana Russell, the wife of the Impressionist painter John Peter Russell, modeled for Rodin’s sculptures of ancient goddesses. Likely inspired by her evenly proportioned, classical features, the artist portrayed her variously as Ceres, Minerva, and Athena. In 1888 Rodin modeled her portrait in wax; this later bronze cast captures her dignified beauty. Her hair is pulled back, emphasizing her broad jaw, strong nose, and full lips. She appears aloof yet feeling, simple yet intelligent: a woman of depth and character. Rodin often expressed his preference for frank portraiture: "Even the most insignificant head is the dwelling-place of life . . . and so offers inexhaustible matter for the masterpiece."

Artist

Auguste Rodin|Georges Rudier

Date

modeled 1888, cast 1979

Medium

Silvered bronze, black marble base

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 1986