"The Bronze Age" or "The Awakening of Mankind", c. 1890

Charcoal on late 19th century stamped paper, stamped in the lower right corner with the stamp "Academie de Bourdeaux (?) Université de France", also known as "Imperial University", made after Rodin's sculpture.

A man in an attitude of coming out of lethargy and awakening to life, wielding his left hand with a certain tension (the sculpture originally held a spear or weapon typical of the Bronze Age, which Rodin eliminated in order to give prominence to the body in its primitive state).

The drawing technique has Impressionist influences, noticeable in the "sketching" aspect, resulting from the composition of the work based on the effect of light and shadow on the form of the object depicted.

The natural and not very rigid position, expressing the inner emotion of the character, is a departure from the classical models and the stiff and exaggerated postures of academicism.

In addition to the avant-garde technique, the drawing reflects the rupturist spirit of Rodin's work, who considered that academicism, in its search for perfect forms, falsified reality to make it more pleasing, and sought instead to create works of greater vitality and expression, which sought to be a faithful representation of reality but rather to transmit the essence of what was represented, laying the foundations of modern sculpture.

Size: 63x48 cms

Shipping by registered post (with tracking number).

Combined shipping available.