Artwork
Nude Woman Carrying Vase on Head
Nude Woman Carrying Vase on Head is a graphite drawing by Auguste Rodin. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right in graphite: a Madame K. Simpson amie / de mon art des la premiere heure / Aug. Rodin 1909; in unknown hand, upper left: 1842
About this work
Overview
Nude Woman Carrying Vase on Head is a 1909 drawing by French sculptor Auguste Rodin, executed in graphite and watercolor. The work captures a nude female figure in a dynamic pose, balancing a vase on her head.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a nude woman with arms raised and body slightly turned, conveys a sense of effortless balance. The figure, identified by Rodin as a friend, is depicted in a moment of quiet, everyday activity, rather than a mythological or heroic pose.
Technique & Style
Characterized by loose, quick lines and soft, muted colors (light browns and pale watery tones), the drawing suggests a rapid execution, akin to a sketch or study. The absence of background details further emphasizes the figure.
History & Provenance
Created in 1909, the drawing bears Rodin's signature in the corner, along with a personal note about the subject's identity as a friend. Specific provenance details are not provided here.
Context
While renowned for his sculptural innovations, this drawing illustrates Rodin's skill in two-dimensional mediums, reflecting his broader artistic explorations beyond three-dimensional work.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
François Auguste René Rodin (; French:; 12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917) was a French sculptor generally considered the founder of modern sculpture.
![Standing Female Nude Holding a Bowl [recto], by James McNeill Whistler](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/james-mcneill-whistler--standing-female-nude-holding-a-bowl-recto--5735c897b3eb1bb8-w320.webp)
