Additional Coverage:
Lost Rodin Sculpture Found on Family Piano Fetches Nearly $1 Million
A long-lost marble sculpture by renowned French artist Auguste Rodin has resurfaced after nearly 120 years, selling for a staggering $984,000 at auction. The piece, “Le Désespoir” (Despair), depicts a seated female figure and was last seen publicly in 1906. Its rediscovery is a remarkable turn of events, especially considering its humble recent home: atop a family piano in central France.
The family, unaware of the sculpture’s true value, believed it to be a mere copy. Auctioneer Aymeric Rouillac, however, recognized the potential significance of the piece and initiated further investigation.
Experts at the Comité Rodin, the organization responsible for cataloging Rodin’s works, confirmed its authenticity. Jérôme Le Blay, co-founder of the Comité Rodin, described the sculpture as “exceptional,” dating back to a period when Rodin focused intensely on a smaller number of works.
“Le Désespoir,” measuring just over 11 inches tall, was originally conceived as part of Rodin’s monumental work “The Gates of Hell.” It is a particularly fine example of Rodin’s artistry, showcasing meticulous detail and anatomical precision. Experts believe the sculpture exemplifies Rodin’s work at the height of his creative powers, before the demands of increasing fame impacted his output.
Rodin marbles are exceptionally rare in private collections, making this rediscovery even more significant. After a spirited bidding war, the sculpture found a new home with a young banker from the US West Coast.