Hand with base 1880 - 1890

This small plaster sculpture of a hand and base was made by Auguste Rodin. The material gives us a direct connection to Rodin's process. Plaster was often used to create molds for bronze casting. The hand's surface is rough and unrefined, which allows us to appreciate the artist's touch, and see the history of its making. Rodin worked within a long tradition of skilled modelers and foundry workers. This piece would have involved both sculptors creating the form, and the artisans of the foundry, who were essential to the realization of his art. Rodin's practice was revolutionary because he challenged the traditional hierarchy between the artist’s hand and the laborer’s work. By elevating the importance of the artist's working process, he blurred the distinction between fine art and craft. This focus on materials, making, and context, encourages a deeper understanding of an artwork's full meaning.