The young Mother

(1885)

The theme of mother love does not occur often in Rodin’s work, except for a period around 1885. Apparently, it then played a big part in his life. The touching sculpture can also be distinguished in relief on the side panel of the Gates of Hell, a bronze portal meant for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs which was never finished. A bronze copy was offered by the artist to be auctioned as a contribution towards the costs of the monument in honour of Claude Lorrain, a 17th century-painter whom Rodin greatly admired.