Details

Object type

figure

Title

The Call to Arms

Artist/Maker

Auguste Rodin

Culture/School

French

Place Associated

France (place of manufacture)

Date

1879

Materials

bronze

Dimensions

overall (weight includes crate): 1110 mm x 580 mm x 400 mm 130.5 kg

Description

Still a little-known artist, Rodin recognised that one way to gain traction in the art world was to design a public monument. Competitions were occasionally launched, where artists submitted designs to produce a sculpture to commemorate a particular event. In 1879, one such competition attracted submissions from around 100 artists, tasked with producing a suitable “Monument to the Defense of Paris” for the French capital. The sculpture was intended to pay homage to the many Parisians who died in the bitter struggle to defend their city during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71.

As was required, Rodin’s design featured two figures cast in bronze. Like many other designs submitted, one of the figures was allegorical. However, Rodin’s allegorical representation of victory and war appeared quite unlike others. This screaming ‘Genius’ raises her arms defiantly, a gesture clearly inspired by the female figure of war seen in Francois Rude’s ‘La Marseillais’, which adorned the Arc de Triomphe from 1836. Rodin’s figure went further still, however, the expression on her face manic and terrifying. In her lap is draped a dying soldier, strongly reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo’s famous ‘Pieta’.

Rodin’s entry did not get past the first round, the female figure judged to be too violent, and the soldier too weak. The rough modelling, rather different from the more refined finish of Louis Ernest Barrias’ winning entry, probably also shocked the jury. Rodin was still proud of the design, and exhibited it on numerous occasions. It was eventually transformed into a large public monument and installed in the French city of Verdun in 1920.

Credit Line/Donor

Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944

Collection

Burrell Collection: European Statuary Bronzes

ID Number

7.6

Location

Burrell Collection