Danaid (Danaïde)
Auguste Rodin
European Art
This sculpture depicts one of the Danaids of Greek mythology. After murdering their husbands on their wedding night, the Danaids were condemned to the endless task of filling leaking vessels with water. Auguste Rodin’s Danaid has collapsed in exhaustion and despair, having realized the futility of her actions. Although the overturned jug links the composition to its mythological source, Rodin was primarily interested in the expressive potential of the nude female form, here presented in a pose that is both sensual and frank.
Rodin supervised and authorized the production of marble sculptures, such as this one, that were made by a skilled stone carver working from the artist’s clay or plaster model.
Rodin supervised and authorized the production of marble sculptures, such as this one, that were made by a skilled stone carver working from the artist’s clay or plaster model.
MEDIUM
Marble
DATES
probably 1903
DIMENSIONS
12 3/4 × 27 1/2 × 20 1/2 in., 285 lb. (32.4 × 69.9 × 52.1 cm) (show scale)
SIGNATURE
Back: "A. Rodin"
COLLECTIONS
European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
12.873
CREDIT LINE
Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund
PROVENANCE
Circa 1904, reportedly purchased from the artist by an unidentified collector of London, United Kingdom; by November 1911, reportedly purchased from an unidentified collector by Cottier & Co., New York, NY; 1912, purchased from Cottier & Co. by the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917). Danaid (Danaïde), probably 1903. Marble, 12 3/4 × 27 1/2 × 20 1/2 in., 285 lb. (32.4 × 69.9 × 52.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund, 12.873. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 12.873_SL3.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 12.873_SL3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2015
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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