Pondering the Thinker

Everybody knows Rodin's "Thinker", but did you know that there are at least 28 full sized bronze castings, but numerous smaller ones and studies made in various materials. Some were not even authorised by Rodin or his estate. This later point unfortunately plagues the world of cast sculpture and can make it difficult for a sculptor to get a good price.

I wasn't out to make an unauthorised cast of the "Thinker", but to make a painted study of one of the bronzes and attempt to render it in flesh tones.

A friend of mine claims the elbow resting on the opposing leg is stimulating a massage point. However, I more suspect that Rodin had the model make this pose to show off more muscle definition.

"Pondering", Leo Plaw, 30 x 24cm, oil on canvas