The Vase of the Titans is a rare work by Rodin, conceived between 1879-80, Rodin created the work while employed by the great romantic sculptor Carrier Belleuse. Rodin worked as a modeller for Carrier Belleuse who was Director of the Sevres factory at the time. A drawing for the work is recorded by June Hargrove in her book on Carrier Belleuse, so it is clear that Carrier had an idea for the work which he then gave Rodin to execute. The original drawing is typical of Carrier's designs, with the vase supported by languorous figures, the work produced by Rodin was unmistakably the work of the employee, with its complicated contrapposto and strong emotions through its introverted gestures. The strength of the modelling relates to Rodn's trip to Italy in 1875-6, where, as in his letter to his long term partner Rose Beuret he states, he learned "...a few of the secrets of the great magician Michelangelo!"
The work was also produced in a glazed ceramic version that can be found in several museum collections but the surface on these works is devoid of the texture and detail of the terracotta works, which were cast in sections and then assembled and finished by hand.
Provenance
Private Collection France
Other terracotta examples:
Musee Rodin Paris
Maryhill Musuem of Fine Arts, Goldendale Washington
Glazed ceramic versions:
Victoria and Albert Museum
Detroit Institute of Fine Arts
