The Thinker
After Auguste Rodin – Rockefeller Bronze
The Thinker
After the iconic model by Auguste Rodin
Nelson Rockefeller Collection
Renaissance Bronze Company, New York
Dated 1979
Edition 15 of 150
Bronze
28 inches high
Approx. 120 lbs.
An impressive bronze after Auguste Rodin’s celebrated The Thinker, cast in 1979 by Renaissance Bronze Company of New York for the Nelson Rockefeller Collection.
Originally conceived by Auguste Rodin as part of his monumental Gates of Hell, the figure was later elevated into an independent masterpiece, becoming a universal symbol of intellect, introspection, and the human condition.
This exceptional example originates from the distinguished Nelson Rockefeller Collection and was cast in 1979 by the renowned Renaissance Bronze Company of New York. Numbered 15 from a limited edition of only 150 examples, the sculpture demonstrates remarkable fidelity to Rodin's original conception, capturing the extraordinary tension between physical power and psychological depth that has made The Thinker an enduring icon for more than a century.
The figure's muscular anatomy is rendered with exceptional sensitivity and precision. Every surface—from the taut forearms and powerful shoulders to the compressed torso and expressive hands—reveals Rodin's revolutionary ability to animate bronze with emotional intensity. The contemplative pose conveys a moment of profound concentration, creating a sculpture that is both visually commanding and deeply human.
Isolated from the larger narrative of The Gates of Hell, The Thinker emerges as a singular work of art, allowing viewers to focus entirely on its extraordinary formal qualities and universal symbolism. From every angle, the sculpture offers a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, mass, and movement, creating a powerful focal point within an interior.
Recently professionally cleaned and rewaxed, the bronze presents beautifully with a rich, nuanced dark patina that accentuates the sculptural modeling and highlights the exceptional quality of the casting. The work possesses a museum-quality presence and an unmistakable sense of gravitas.
Sophisticated yet timeless, this sculpture integrates effortlessly into classical, traditional, transitional, and contemporary interiors alike. Whether displayed in a library, study, gallery setting, or modern living space, it commands attention while inviting reflection.
An exceptional Nelson Rockefeller Collection bronze of one of the most influential sculptures ever conceived—a work of enduring beauty, intellectual power, and extraordinary visual impact.
Price $60,000
