Rodin - The Hand of God (Works from 1902–1916)

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. This is one of Rodin’s late masterpieces, revealing his inner strength and passion through marble. This outstanding work resulted from studies of the hands in The Burghers of Calais. The piece depicts a right hand bursting forth from a rough block of marble; we see only its lifelike arm (relief), while the palm remains embedded within the stone.

On the reverse side of the marble, a pair of lovers (relief) is carved, sleeping within their elegant curves. Their upper bodies and heads lean against the thumb, seemingly alluding to the Hand of God in Genesis. Here, Rodin brilliantly presents two overlapping images, combining the smooth and rough surfaces of the material itself, capturing the play of light and shadow to reveal intense vitality.