The Head of Mrs. Russell 1885 - 1912

This is a plaster sculpture of "The Head of Mrs. Russell," made by Auguste Rodin. Rodin was one of the greatest sculptors of the late 19th century, and his work shows a profound sensitivity to the potential of his materials. Here, the plaster has a soft, porous quality, which Rodin exploits to capture the delicate features of the subject. Plaster allowed for a direct engagement with the material, capturing the fleeting nuances of form and expression in a way that was unique to the medium. Rodin used plaster as a means to explore the effects of light and shadow. Rodin's art was deeply rooted in the traditions of craftsmanship and materiality. He elevated sculpture to new heights of artistic expression by emphasizing the importance of materials and making. His approach challenged the traditional distinction between fine art and craft.