A rare cast of The Thinker by Parisian artist August Rodin (1840-1917) brought $15.3m to Sotheby's New York yesterday evening (May 7).
Estimated to be worth $12m, the bronze cast sold with an impressive 27% increase in estimate.
 The Thinker case was commissioned publishing magnate Ralph Pulitzer in 1906 |
Considered an icon of art history, the 1906 composition remains among the most celebrated sculptures ever created. The Thinker (Le Penseur) derives from Rodin's ambitious project, Le Porte de l'Enfer (The Gates of Hell), which was inspired by Dante's epic poem The Divine Comedy.
Le Penseur features at the apex of La Porte de l'Enfer, which is made up of over 200 figures and groups. The early cast on offer was made by the Alexis Rudier foundry in Paris.
Commissioned by publishing magnate Ralph Pulitzer in 1906, the cast bears a plaque that affirms it was made for Pulitzer under Rodin's direct supervision. There are 28 known original casts of the work in existence - a factor which undoubtedly contributed to the items impressive sale price.
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Images: Sotheby's
