Victor Hugo (three-quarter view) 1885

This is Auguste Rodin’s etching of Victor Hugo, a portrait capturing the famous French novelist, poet, and playwright, best known for “Les Misérables” and “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.” Rodin, a dominant figure in sculpture, created this print as homage to Hugo. Both artists were cultural icons in France, yet each occupied a distinct place within the socio-political landscape of their time. Hugo, as a writer, engaged directly with issues of social justice and human rights, often becoming embroiled in political controversies, while Rodin reflected society through his art. Here, Rodin sketches Hugo with a profound sense of reverence. The composition, with its multiple angles and unfinished lines, conveys the depth and complexity of Hugo's character. As an etching, this work is intriguing because it captures the likeness of one artist by another, each of whom has a strong sense of presence and unique identity. It also resonates with the dialogue between literature and art, and how each medium can interpret and represent human experience.