Gates of Hell, Zurich

The Gates of Hell, located at the Kunsthaus Zurich, stands as a significant sculptural achievement by the renowned French artist Auguste Rodin. Inspired by Dante Alighieri's "The Inferno," this monumental work delves into a dark portrayal of the afterlife, depicting various damned souls in intricate detail. With dimensions reaching six meters in height, four meters in width, and extending one meter in depth, the sculpture showcases Rodin's expertise in form and emotion.

Commissioned in 1880 by the Directorate of Fine Arts, Rodin's Gates of Hell project was expected to take five years. However, Rodin surpassed expectations, spending 37 years perfecting the composition until his death, showcasing his dedication to his craft. The bronze cast housed in Zurich, acquired by the museum in 1947, features 186 figures adorning the gate, with variations in size ranging from 15 centimeters to over a meter, each contributing to the narrative complexity.

Beyond its sheer scale and emotional resonance, the Gates of Hell holds significance for its impact on Rodin's subsequent works. Several figures from the composition were later developed into standalone sculptures, solidifying Rodin's legacy in the art world. Examples include "The Thinker," "The Kiss," "Ugolino and His Children," and "The Three Shades," showcasing Rodin's innovative approach where elements of a larger work gain individual recognition.

Various casts of the Gates of Hell are displayed worldwide, including at Stanford University in California and the Rodin Gallery in Korea, while the original plaster resides at the Rodin Museum in Paris. Its presence at the Kunsthaus Zurich provides a unique opportunity to engage with Rodin's profound interpretation of Dante's narrative, making it a pivotal work in modern sculpture studies.

Tip:
Look around at the back to see how the castings were put together. Really quite amazing!