Torso (The Morhardt Torso) 1885 - 1895

This bronze torso was created by the French artist Auguste Rodin, likely at the end of the 19th century. Rodin challenged academic traditions by embracing fragmentation. With a nod to classical sculpture, the Morhardt Torso embodies a modern aesthetic. In 19th century France, the art academy prized highly finished, idealized human forms. Rodin broke with these conventions, leaving surfaces rough and unfinished. By isolating the torso, he draws attention to the body's expressive potential. Rodin also worked against the traditional institutions of art and exhibited independently of the official Salon system. His art was embraced by a network of private galleries and patrons who celebrated his radical approach. Studying Rodin's art requires understanding both the art historical context and the dynamics of the art market in Paris. Examining exhibition reviews and collectors’ records helps us understand the artist's position within a changing society. The meaning of art is always shaped by social and institutional forces.