The Three Shades (Les Trois Ombres)
Bronze sculpture (small-scale version) • Auguste Rodin (1840-1917)
Style & Movement
Modernism / Impressionist Sculpture / Symbolism
Medium & Technique
Bronze; lost-wax casting (cire perdue) with dark brown/black chemical patina
Creation Period
Orginal conceived c. 1881-1886; cast date variable (likely posthumous 20th century edition)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 191 mm (7.5 in) to 914 mm (36 in) depending on the specific reduction cast; vertical/figurative format
Subject Description
Three identical male figures, originally appearing at the top of The Gates of Hell, pointing down toward the viewer. They represent the souls of the damned and are meant to embody the inscription 'Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.' The composition utilizes the repetition of a single figure rotated to create a haunting, rhythmic symmetry.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the surface appears stable with consistent patina and no visible oxidative greening or physical abrasions
Estimated Market Value
$100,000 - $350,000 (USD) for authorized lifetime/early posthumous reductions; higher for larger variants
Auction Estimate
$150,000 - $250,000 (USD) for a high-quality authorized mid-20th century cast
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a museum collection or an authorized foundry edition (such as the Musée Rodin or Georges Rudier casts); displayed in a contemporary museum setting
Art Historical Significance
A masterpiece of Modernist sculpture, it demonstrates Rodin's innovative use of serial repetition and expressive distortion. It serves as a visual gateway to the Dante-inspired Gates of Hell, emphasizing the psychological weight of the human condition.
Notable Features
The heads are tilted at an extreme, almost horizontal angle, merging the shoulders into a singular expressive mass that creates a crown for the gates.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation in the crevices of the drapery; no structural damage or significant corrosion observed
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with relative humidity below 50%; periodic dusting with a soft natural-hair brush; avoid direct contact with skin (use gloves)