A sculpture by French artist Auguste Rodin that had disappeared from public view for almost 120 years and was thought to be a copy has sold for 860,000 euros ($984,000) at auction. “Le Désespoir,” which shows a female figure sat on a rock holding one foot with her knee hugged to her chest, was rediscovered at the end of 2024 after last being sold in 1906, said auction house Rouillac in a statement on Sunday. Rodin, who lived from 1840-1917, made several versions of “Le Désespoir.” This particular sculpture was modelled in 1890 and sculpted from marble in 1892-93. Measuring just 28.5 centimeters (11.2 inches) by 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) by 25 centimeters (9.8 inches), the sculpture was originally modelled to form part of Rodin’s monumental work “The Gates of Hell,” which features more than 200 figures and groups. The previous owners – a family from central France – had no idea of its value and had displayed the sculpture on top of a piano alongside family photos, auctioneer Aymeric Rouillac told CNN on Tuesday. “They said ‘it’s a fake, it’s a copy,’” Rouillac said, but he decided to investigate further. The details of this sculpture are striking, Rouillac told CNN. “The back, the muscles, they are perfect,” he said. “You can feel every vertebra in the spinal column.” Following his own initial investigation, Rouillac took the sculpture for assessment by the Comité Rodin, which maintains a catalogue of the artist’s work. On Tuesday, Jérôme Le Blay, co-founder of the Comité Rodin, told CNN that he was immediately struck by the “exceptional” piece. “I realized in a second that it was real,” he said. “I had absolutely no doubt.” This particular example is “extremely well made,” said Le Blay, adding that it dates back to a period when Rodin was dedicating a huge amount of time to making a small number of sculptures. Rodin would have worked with assistants who would have carried out the initial work on a piece of marble, before he performed the final stages, he explained. According to Le Blay, the sculpture dates to “one of the best moments of Rodin’s career,” before his growing fame meant that he started to produce more and more works after the turn of the century. Upon his death, Rodin left his works to the Musée Rodin in Paris, as well as granting it permission to continue producing his bronze sculptures. While many of these posthumous bronzes go under the hammer each year, marbles are much harder to find, said Le Blay. Most of Rodin’s marbles are owned by the Musée Rodin or by other large museums around the world, he said. “Marbles in private collections are rare,” he said, adding that this piece has a “kind of magic” due to the fact that it has reappeared for sale after such a long time. Following a “passionate” auction, the winning bid was made by a young banker from the US West Coast, according to the auction house.
A family thought the sculpture on their piano was a ‘fake’ Rodin. Now it’s sold for nearly $1 million
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rodin Sculpture 'Le Désespoir' Rediscovered and Sold for Nearly $1 Million"
CNN
8.3
TruthLens AI Summary
A remarkable auction recently took place where a sculpture by the renowned French artist Auguste Rodin, titled 'Le Désespoir,' sold for an impressive 860,000 euros (approximately $984,000). This specific sculpture, which depicts a female figure seated on a rock while holding one foot with her knee drawn to her chest, had been lost from public view for nearly 120 years and was initially believed to be a mere copy. The auction house Rouillac reported that the piece had last been sold in 1906 and was rediscovered at the end of 2024. 'Le Désespoir' was modeled in 1890 and crafted from marble between 1892 and 1893, originally intended to be part of Rodin's monumental work 'The Gates of Hell,' which features over 200 figures. Despite its significant artistic value, the previous owners, a family from central France, displayed the sculpture casually atop a piano alongside family photographs, mistakenly believing it to be a replica.
The auctioneer Aymeric Rouillac was initially met with skepticism from the family, who regarded the sculpture as a fake. However, upon closer inspection, Rouillac recognized the exceptional quality of the piece, noting its intricate details such as the perfect representation of the back and muscles, which convey a sense of realism. Following his assessment, he sought validation from the Comité Rodin, where Jérôme Le Blay, a co-founder, confirmed the sculpture's authenticity without hesitation. Le Blay highlighted that this piece emerged during a peak period in Rodin's career, when he focused on producing a select number of high-quality sculptures. Given that most of Rodin's marbles are held in major museums, this rediscovered work carries a unique allure, making its auction particularly noteworthy. The winning bidder, a young banker from the US West Coast, secured the sculpture following a competitive bidding process, marking a significant moment in the art world as a piece of Rodin's legacy returns to prominence after a long absence.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article highlights a remarkable discovery regarding a sculpture attributed to Auguste Rodin, which was sold for nearly $1 million after being mistaken for a replica. This unexpected revelation not only underscores the hidden value of art but also raises questions about authenticity and the significance of art in society.
Purpose of the Article
The narrative aims to celebrate the rediscovery of a valuable piece of art that had been overlooked for decades. By showcasing the process of identification and the dramatic increase in value, the article seeks to engage the audience's curiosity about art and its valuation, while also promoting the auction house involved.
Public Perception
This story likely fosters a sense of excitement and wonder in the community regarding art and collectibles. It emphasizes the idea that valuable treasures can be hidden in plain sight, potentially encouraging individuals to reassess their own possessions. The article also reinforces the notion that expertise and knowledge can uncover hidden truths, appealing to those interested in art history and appreciation.
Potential Omissions
While the article centers on the rediscovery and sale of the sculpture, it may omit broader discussions about the art market, such as the dynamics of art valuation and the implications of art ownership. By not delving into these aspects, it could be seen as simplifying the complexities surrounding art transactions and authenticity.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The information appears to be credible, supported by direct quotes from experts like Aymeric Rouillac and Jérôme Le Blay. Their professional insights lend authority to the findings about the sculpture's authenticity. However, the article may be slightly sensationalized to captivate readers, which could affect its overall reliability.
Underlying Message
The overarching message conveyed is one of hope and discovery, inspiring readers to appreciate art and recognize its potential value. It subtly suggests that knowledge and expertise can lead to unexpected findings, encouraging a broader interest in art collection and appreciation.
Connection to Broader Trends
In the context of the ongoing discussions about the value of art in society, this article connects to a growing trend of rediscovering and reassessing cultural artifacts. It highlights the importance of provenance and expertise in the art market, which has implications for collectors and investors alike.
Community Impact
Art enthusiasts, collectors, and investors may find this story particularly appealing, as it resonates with their interests and aspirations. The article speaks to those who value art as a means of investment and cultural heritage, potentially prompting them to engage more actively in the art market.
Economic Implications
Given the substantial sale price of the sculpture, this news could influence perceptions of art investment and market dynamics. It may draw attention to particular auction houses and art dealers, impacting their reputation and business. Investors may also consider this story as a signal to explore undervalued art pieces, potentially affecting stock in related sectors.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article primarily focuses on an art piece, it indirectly touches on issues of cultural heritage and the value of art in global markets. As the art world continues to attract international attention, such stories can contribute to broader discussions about cultural identity and economic sovereignty.
AI Influence
The writing style of the article may suggest the use of AI in crafting a compelling narrative. Models like GPT could be employed to generate engaging content, ensuring a balance of factual reporting and storytelling. However, the piece maintains a human touch through expert commentary, indicating a collaborative approach rather than full automation.
The article does not appear to contain manipulative elements, as it primarily conveys a positive narrative about rediscovery and appreciation for art. The language used is straightforward and factual, focusing on the significance of the sculpture without casting judgment or creating unnecessary controversy.
Overall, the news article presents a credible and engaging account of an art rediscovery, encouraging readers to reflect on the value of art in their lives and the potential hidden treasures they may own.