Witch's Sabbath (Sabbat) 1895 - 1905

Auguste Rodin made this watercolor and graphite work, titled "Witch's Sabbath," at an unknown date. He lived through a time where art was a vehicle to either uphold or question societal norms. Rodin challenged these norms, particularly in his depiction of the female form. In this drawing, the figure defies traditional representations of women. She is not passive or idealized but is instead actively engaged in an imagined ritual. The term 'witch' itself is loaded, historically used to oppress women who didn't conform to societal expectations. Rodin seems to be exploring these themes of gender, power, and the grotesque. "That which is called ugliness in nature can, in art, become full of beauty." Rodin once said. The emotional impact of the artwork stems from its raw, unfinished quality. The loose lines and washes of color convey a sense of immediacy and intensity, inviting us to confront uncomfortable aspects of human nature and the way we treat those who are deemed 'other'. In doing so, the artwork makes a bold statement about the complexities of identity, and the fine line between the sacred and the profane.