Standing Nude Male Figure (Phidias)

myminifactory

These standing nude male figures, modeled after Michelangelo and Phidias, embody the principles of Contrapposto as demonstrated around 1911. The clay sketches were created by Rodin to showcase this fundamental pose, where the body responds when bearing its weight on a single leg. Each figure stands in a manner typical of the works inspired by the famous sculptor after whom it is named. A version capturing the calm physical ease characteristic of classical sculpture reflects the ancient Phidias style. The Michelangelo figure, slumped and twisted inward, expresses psychological intensity resulting in a more contorted Renaissance contrapposto. Rodin's works sparked enthusiasm among collectors, including one great collector who acquired many of his pieces during the 1980s. B. Gerald Cantor and his wife Iris reciprocated by donating over thirty sculptures to the Museum. The two figures from Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney's collection were given to her personally by Rodin in Paris at his studio in Hôtel Biron around 1911, a gesture during a visit.