Iris, Messenger of the Gods (Iris, messagère des dieux)
Sculpture, plaster cast • Auguste Rodin (1840-1917)
Style & Movement
Impressionist Sculpture / Symbolism / Late 19th Century French School
Medium & Technique
Plaster (originally modeled in clay), utilizing partial/fragmentary modeling and rough surface texture
Creation Period
Circa 1890-1891 (modeled), cast likely late 19th or early 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 83 x 88 x 54 cm (32.7 x 34.6 x 21.3 inches); 3D figural sculpture
Subject Description
A decapitated and limbless female figure (iris) suspended in mid-air with legs apart. The composition emphasizes raw energy, movement, and a defiant, sexually explicit posture. It embodies the 'non-finito' aesthetic, focusing on the torso and thighs as a direct expression of physical power.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows typical aging for plaster including minor surface abrasions and dust accumulation in crevices
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $350,000 (Note: Bronze casts of this work can exceed $10,000,000; original period plasters are rare and highly valued)
Auction Estimate
$200,000 - $400,000
Provenance History
Likely from the artist's studio (Musée Rodin) or a private collection specializing in late 19th-century French sculpture
Art Historical Significance
A seminal work that broke traditional rules of decorum. It was originally intended for the second project of the Victor Hugo Monument. It marks a transition toward modernism by celebrating the 'abridged' figure and the aesthetics of the fragment.
Notable Features
The 'broken' limbs and absence of head and arm highlight Rodin's radical approach to the human form, focusing on the center of gravity and the kinetic energy of the pose.
Condition Issues
Slight discoloration of plaster, minor surface chipping, and possible historic repairs to the internal wire armature points.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a sculpture conservator, maintaining stable humidity to prevent plaster degradation, and UV-filtered lighting.