The Gates of Hell: Encyclopedia II - The Gates of Hell - Outstanding figures

The Gates of Hell - Outstanding figures

The original sculptures were enlarged and became works of art of their own.

The Gates of Hell - The Thinker Le Penseur

Also called The Poet, is located above the door panels. One interpretation suggests that it might represent Dante looking down to the characters in the Inferno. Another interpretation is that the Thinker is Rodin himself meditating about his composition.

The Gates of Hell - The Kiss Le Baiser

Originally in The Gate along with other figures of Paolo and Francesca da Rimini. Rodin wanted to represent their initial joy as well as their final damnation. He removed the figure that became know as The Kiss because it seemed to contrast along with the other suffering figures.

The Gates of Hell - Ugolino and his Children Ugolin et ses enfants

Depicts Ugolino della Gherardesca, who according to the story, ate the corpses of his children after they died by starvation. (Dante, Inferno, Canto XXXII) The Ugolino group was cast as a separate bronze in 1882.

The Gates of Hell - The Three Shades Les trois Ombres

Originally 98 cm height. The over-life size group was initially made of three independent figures in 1899. Later on Rodin replaced one hand in the figures to fuse them together, in the same form as the smaller version.

The Gates of Hell - Fugitive Love Fugit Amor

Located on the right door pane, it is one of several figures of lovers that represent Paolo and Francesca da Rimini. The male figure is also called The Prodigial

The Gates of Hell - Paolo and Francesca

On the Left door pane, Paolo tries to reach Francesca, who seems to slip away.

The Gates of Hell - Meditation

On the right most part of the Tympanum, Shown as an enlarged figure in 1896.

The Gates of Hell - The Old Courtesan

Cast 1885

The Gates of Hell - I am beautiful Je Suis Belle

Cast 1882

The Gates of Hell - Eternal Springtime

Cast 1884

The Gates of Hell - Adam and Eve

Rodin asked the directorate for additional funds for the independent sculptures of Adam and Eve that were meant to frame The Gates of Hell.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Outstanding figures", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki