“La Danaïde”, a sculpture by Auguste Rodin, is an exquisite portrayal of one of the daughters of Danaus, Hypermnestra, who, according to the myth recounted in Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” was condemned to an eternal task of filling a leaky vessel. This particular sculpture eschews the narrative of punishment, instead, capturing a moment of profound exhaustion and resignation, imbued with a sense of grace and fluidity that is characteristic of Rodin’s work.
The vintage gelatin silver print by Bruno Jarret enhances the emotive quality of the sculpture, casting it in a light that emphasizes the smooth contours and the subtle interplay of light and shadow across the figure’s back. The photograph allows the viewer to appreciate the somber beauty of the sculpture without the distractions of its surrounding environment.
Rodin’s sculpture, a part of the prestigious Louvre collection, conveys a sense of tragic exhaustion and eternal sorrow. The figure is draped over a rock, her body’s smooth, flowing lines contrasting with the rough texture of the stone. Her posture suggests complete surrender, with the weight of her body and the despair evident in the way her head sinks into her arm.
Smoothness of the stone
Jarret’s photograph emphasizes the tactile quality of the marble, inviting viewers to not only admire the aesthetic composition but also to feel the cool smoothness of the stone and the despair of Hypermnestra’s fate. The composition skillfully uses light to accentuate the sensuousness and vulnerability of the figure, while the shadows cast by the form deepen the sense of melancholy.
The subject is depicted reclined, her body draped over a rock, suggesting both the weight of her despair and the ceaselessness of her task. The sculpture’s texture contrasts the smooth, polished marble of her skin with the rough, unfinished stone, symbolizing the harshness of her fate. Rodin’s mastery of form and his ability to convey deep emotion through the physicality of the human body is evident here. The positioning of the figure, with her face turned away from the viewer, adds a layer of privacy to her grief, while also inviting an introspective response.
Mythological origins
In Jarret’s photograph, the stark monochrome tones further strip away any sense of time or place, focusing the viewer on the eternal and universal qualities of human sorrow and toil. This timeless quality is a testament to Rodin’s understanding of the human condition, making “La Danaïde” a piece that resonates with audiences beyond its mythological origins. The photograph not only documents the sculpture but also interprets it, contributing to the layered narrative of how art is viewed and experienced across different mediums and eras.
Set in a beautifull handmade golden frame. As standard in our Gallery, this is the framed with special anti-reflective and virtually invisible glass (up to 70% UV protection).
Details
- Size (h w d): 50 x 40 cm
- Medium: Oil
- Framed Size (h w d): 70 x 59 x 4.5 cm
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