1878
graphite
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Figure Facing Forward is a 1878 graphite by Auguste Rodin, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a nude figure standing sideways, one arm bent at the elbow like they’re holding something. The other arm hangs loose, and the legs are slightly apart. The artist used quick, sketchy lines for the hair and clothes, while the body is mostly smooth watercolor washes. The loose, flowing lines and rough edges suggest the artist was more interested in movement than perfect details. The paper has a warm, aged look, like it’s been handled a lot. Next, check out Rodin, Auguste—he made lots of sketches like this.
François Auguste René Rodin (; French: ; 12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917) was a French sculptor generally considered the founder of modern sculpture.
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