Auguste Rodin (1840 -1917)


Circa 1895-1897


H. 56 cm ; W. 58 cm ; D. 50 cm


Here we have a fine example of the way in which Rodin worked, showing how he conferred an allegorical dimension on portraits he made of people close to him, such as Farewell, circa 1898 , or France (circa 1904), both based on the Mask of Camille Claudel . The sculptor proceeded in the same manner with Aurora, who also borrows Camille Claudel’s facial features.


The face remains smooth and polished, the expression somewhat distant, while the block of marble surrounding it is deliberately left rough-hewn, with visible toolmarks. This contrast, which is reminiscent of Michelangelo’s works, enabled Rodin to highlight the radiance of the face, while the title of the work evokes the sun rising at the break of day.


This composition was one of Rodin’s last works inspired by Camille Claudel, executed at the time their relationship ended.

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