Auguste Rodin made what is considered by some the most famous sculpture in the whole world. It is called the thinker. I knew about this famous sculpture throughout my life, and it seems that everyone I talk to knows about it, too. But what was this character thinking about? I always thought it was just a representation of mankind in general, man the philosopher, trying to figure out deep things. But what was he thinking about? Can we know? Does he represent mankind in general, or any certain individual?
Apparently, he seems to represent Dante, the author of Inferno. Around the year 1890, Rodin (1840-1917) "completed" a huge work known as The Gates of Hell (It is about 20 feet tall!) Near the top, at the center, is the Thinker! Around him, people are falling into Hell, to their eternal punishment.
Dante, (Dante Alighieri 1265-1321), wrote Inferno, which is Italian for Hell. In his work, over the entrance of Hell the famous qoute is found, "Abandon all hope, those who enter here." Rodin carried this book around in his pocket for years! Dante was the thinker, and the very sober doom of people who die without Jesus, of people who die in their sins, was the general bent of his thought!
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| The original "thinker" is at the top under the topmost 3 figures. |
"Thinking" that I remember studying him in school, but not learning as meaningful stuff about him! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWell, better late than never? Thank you so much for your positive feedback from years gone by : )
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