Bust of Victor Hugo, Plaster sculpture at Museo Soumaya, Mexico City
This portrait sculpture captures the French writer's facial features and was crafted from white gypsum material. The work conveys subtle details of expression and character through careful modeling of the face and head.
The sculpture was created in 1883 by Auguste Rodin, one of the most influential sculptors of his era. Rodin worked from direct observation of the writer in his home, producing an artwork based on firsthand study.
The sculpture represents one of France's greatest literary figures and bridges the worlds of literature and visual art in a single work. Visitors encounter a physical expression of how artists honored important writers during that era.
The work is part of the museum's permanent collection and remains on display year-round for visitors. The modest size of the sculpture allows for close examination of details from different viewing angles.
The creation process had strict time limits, as Hugo allowed the artist only brief sessions of about half an hour each day. Despite these constraints, Rodin captured the personality of the aging writer vividly in the final work.
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