La Porte de l'Enfer

 

Rodin's La Porte de l'Enfer 

Rodin's The Gates of Hell or, La Porte de l'Enfer, is one of my favorite pieces of art by the French sculptor. In keeping with my theme from yesterday's post, I thought I would make it the subject of today's blog.  

You are probably most familiar with Rodin's The Thinker, pictured above. You will notice that this figure is also featured on La Porte de l'Enfer, just above the crease in the door.  The entire work was inspired by Dante's Inferno, and many speculate that the Thinker is representative of Adam contemplating a fallen world.  

The sculpture was commissioned by the Directorate of Fine Arts in 1880. Rodin would continue to work on and off on this project for 37 years, until his death in 1917. The above picture of La Porte is from my personal collection. I took it in Paris at the Musée de Rodin a couple of years ago. I like to think that the old lady is waiting for the gate to open!