Hand with base 1880 - 1890

Auguste Rodin made this plaster sculpture, "Hand with Base," at an unknown date. Rodin, who lived through the transformations of late 19th and early 20th century France, broke from academic traditions to explore the depths of human experience. Here, Rodin isolates a hand, a fragment, to convey profound emotion. The hand, seemingly reaching or grasping, becomes a symbol of desire, longing, or perhaps even despair. It is said Rodin once stated, "The body is my medium." This piece seems to embody this idea, as it invites us to consider the hand not just as a physical object, but as a vessel of expression. Unlike idealized representations of the body, Rodin embraces imperfection, capturing the raw, visceral nature of human existence. Consider your own hands and what they are used for. "Hand with Base" encourages a personal connection, asking us to reflect on the power and vulnerability inherent in our own physical forms.