From 1864 until 1882, Auguste Rodin was employed in the workshop of the sculptor A. Carrier-Belleuse. The master sculptor conceived a decorative jardinière in which a group of human figures would hold a shallow bowl. Rodin then reworked this basic concept in which the Titans from Greek mythology would hold the bowl. In Greek mythology, the Titans were condemned to support the heavens upon their shoulders and in Rodin’s vase four Titans twist and strain in an effort to sustain their burden.
The Vase of Titans is displayed at the Maryhill Museum of Art near Goldendale, Washington. According to the display:
“Rodin executed the jardinière after returning from Italy. Influenced and inspired by Michelangelo, Rodin’s Titans convey a sense of struggle in performing their eternal task. The expressive force of the Titans’ musculature recalls Michelangelo’s Ignudi of the Sistine Chapel.”
The Vase of Titans was done about 1875 and while it is acknowledged that Rodin designed this work, it carries the signature of Carrier-Belleuse because it was manufactured in his atelier.
Shown above are two views of the Vase of Titans.
The four figures shown above are from the Vase of Titans.
Museums 101
Museums 101 is a series of photo tours of different museum displays. More about Rodin from this series:
Museums 101: Rodin's Late Drawings (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Rodin at Maryhill (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Lost-Wax Bronze Casting Method (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Rodin's Heads (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Torsos and Hands by Rodin (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Auguste Rodin in the Portland Art Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Rodin's Women (Photo Diary)