Why it matters
Rodin's seated figure, chin on hand, has become the universal symbol of deep thought. It began as 'The Poet', the figure at the centre of The Gates of Hell, the doorway inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, and was named The Thinker by foundry workers who saw its similarity to Michelangelo.
Did you know?
- The first monumental bronze cast was made in 1904.
- There are 27 other known full-size bronze castings, not all made under Rodin's supervision.
- Rodin made the figure nude because he wanted a heroic figure in the tradition of Michelangelo.
Based on the Wikipedia article The Thinker (CC BY-SA 4.0).
