Crouching Woman at La Musée Rodin, France

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The original figure, intended for the tympanum of The Gates of Hell, presents a compact block with limbs gathered together and pressed tightly against the torso, reflecting Rodin's aesthetic analysis of Michelangelo's sculpture. This work could roll down a hill without breaking, as noted by the great Italian artist. One of the earliest figures modeled for The Gates of Hell, it was enlarged and slightly modified several years after its conception, revealing a simultaneously open and closed posture representative of raw eroticism expressed in some of Rodin's works during this period. This figure is not the same as the eroticism found in his naiads or The Kiss, but rather a dark, disturbing sexuality often regarded as obscene due to the muffled violence that seems to emanate from it. The quasi-animal sensuality of this figure, nicknamed "frog" or "batrachian" by some of Rodin's contemporaries, made it so successful. Rodin reworked it in different materials and sizes, such as I Am Beautiful and The Fallen Caryatid carrying her Stone, or The Fallen Caryatid with Urn. Sculpted in 1882 by Rodin. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, which creates a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access free of charge. Scan The World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.