This portrait of the renowned sculptor captures the intimacy of the friendship between the two artists. A skilled draughtsman with a keen eye for detail, Besnard is known for revealing a sitter’s personality in his portraits. Presented here against a blank background and in simple crisp line, Rodin is shown with furrowed brow, suggesting his absorption in art. In spite of his public success and recognition – with international exhibitions, honorary degrees and prestigious public commissions – Rodin was a naturally shy man.

With his furrowed brow and focused gaze, the great sculptor Rodin
is shown as intense and stoic. Besnard and Rodin enjoyed a long
friendship which latterly became fractious when Besnard alleged
that Rodin was becoming self-centred. By focusing on the subject
from the shoulders up, Besnard depicts his sitter in a manner
similar to a marble bust. The portrait is reminiscent of Rodin’s
celebrated Bust of Victor-Henri Rochefort which presides over the
Barber’s gallery stairs. Besnard was known for his skill at capturing
personalities through his draughtsmanship, and Rodin was indeed
described by contemporaries as a reserved and serious.

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