Three views of a mask 1898

Curator: This striking sculptural work, dating to 1898, is by Auguste Rodin. Titled "Three views of a mask," it presents a powerful, expressive face rendered in metal. What strikes you immediately about this piece? Editor: Raw emotion, really. The figure’s face is contorted, mouth agape—it feels like a primal scream. What's particularly interesting is that three-part presentation; I wonder what prompted Rodin to view it this way. Curator: Rodin was fascinated by the multifaceted nature of human experience. We can consider how the shifting viewpoints relate to ideas of the male gaze, representation, and visibility in 19th century social dynamics. Were there imposed perspectives being interrogated here, with this bold, confrontational work? Editor: Absolutely, the triplication creates a sense of unease. Looking closer, I notice elements of classical iconography: the sea creatures interwoven into the hair. Are these figures related to power dynamics of sea-related cultures? I am trying to read if Rodin perhaps trying to convey a symbolic representation through historical elements. Curator: Rodin often drew upon historical references, but he used them to address contemporary issues. Think of the context in which this work was produced: shifts in gender roles and class structures. His use of mythical figures is to tap into centuries of layered understanding, while the composition reflects his revolutionary, contemporary style. Editor: You're right; the piece speaks of profound cultural memory while offering something entirely modern. Curator: To me, this piece speaks volumes about the tension between tradition and change, how historical representations are constantly being reshaped and renegotiated, both in the artwork and as cultural mirrors of larger issues. Editor: For me, seeing that single face across the three angles suggests a multiplicity of human emotion. There are elements we see echoed across diverse figures, times, and eras. Thanks to Rodin's skilled sculpting, they endure in this haunting piece.