In two very similar variants Rodin expresses both the smooth body of the woman and her rough surrounding. The marble will be the perfect material to reveal the sensuality of that woman who is born from the ground.
The largest of these variants, 70 cm long, is La Source, a very popular theme in the 19th century where an abundant hair descends like a waterfall. It will become La Danaïde. The other version, 30 cm long, which does not have this capillary excess is slumped over a spectacular rock. It will be Andromeda, the young mythological heroine tortured because of her supreme beauty.
On May 30 in Paris, Artcurial sells a marble dated 1887 of the smaller version. In the following year, Rodin had presented it to a Chilean diplomat in re-exchange for the bust of his wife, so charming that the French government had wanted to own it. This Andromède has been hoarded up to now in the family of the diplomat proud of the friendship with the great artist. It is estimated € 800K, lot 6.
Four other Andromède marbles are known. One of them executed circa 1895 was sold for $ 3,04M including premium by Christie's on November 8, 2006 over a lower estimate of $ 500K. A Danaïde bronze made in the same period was sold for $ 1.7M including premium by Christie's on November 5, 2014.
SOLD for € 3.1M before fees
Please watch the video shared by Artcurial :