Visual Art: The Thinker

The Thinker is one of the most well-known sculptures in the world. It was made of bronze and marble by Auguste Rodin in 1902. It's an imposing size (2m high) and is located in the Musee Rodin in Paris.  The Thinker has been cast in multiple versions; there are about 20 large cast Thinkers in museums around the world. The figure is trying to resolve some difficult internal dilemma and the statue has come to represent intellectual activity. Other observers disagree - they emphasise the figure's rough physicality and the emotional tension emanating from it. Look at the rather difficult way The Thinker is sitting - his wrist is bent right back, his elbow rests on the opposite knee and he's hunched forwards; now try sitting in this position - not comfortable at all! Also, he is naked, perched on the very edge of a cold, hard piece of rock. Brrr!