Les Ames du Purgatoire. by Auguste Rodin, 1840-1917

Auguste Rodin, 1840-1917
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Les Ames du Purgatoire.

Original drypoint in black ink. 1893. Signed in the plate. Rare proof on antique paper of the second state apart from, and certainly before, the edition for La Vie Artistique, 1894.
Ref: Delteil 11, Thorson 12, second state as completed with the signature.

Fine delicate impression printed with wiped plate-tone on papier verdâtre (greenish-tinted antique laid paper). Excellent original condition, not restored. One fox-mark in the outer right margin. Full margins. Sheet : 9 7/8 x 7 3/8ins. Plate: 6 1/8 x 3 7/8ins (157x 98mm)

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In 1880 Rodin received a commission for a set of bronze doors on the theme of The Gates of Hell and the work on this project was to occupy him at period over some 25 years. The source of the theme was Dante's Inferno, and this composition is one of many that relate to or derive from that project.

Rodin was also inspired on a number of occasions by themes of lesbian love. The 1884 bronze of Eternal Spring (Musée Rodin) treats this theme as do the 1890 plaster Women Embracing, also in the Musée Rodin, or the Psyche and Love, as well as numerous drawings. In the drawing for this drypoint Rodin wrote 'égalité, fraternité, limbes, liberté' (equality, fraternity, limbo, liberty) as well as 'trois graces' (three graces). The limbo links to the concept of damned souls awaiting entry to Purgatory in the Inferno, but it was also society's view of lesbian love. Whilst Delteil chose to emphasise the acceptable classical links in his adoption of the title 'Ames du Purgatoire' for this drypoint, Rodin had undoubtedly seen it at least as much as a celebration of the beauties of women in love.