Small Bust of Helene von Nostitz with a Full Chignon

The German count and art collector Harry Kessler introduced Rodin to Sophie von Hindenburg and Helene von Nostitz―daughter and granddaughter of the German ambassador to Paris―shortly after they attended the sculptor’s 1900 exhibition at the Pavillon de l’Alma in Paris. The two women soon developed a close friendship with Rodin, strengthened by their exchange of letters and by the visits they made to each other’s homes (to Rodin’s residence in Meudon and to the women’s villa in the Tuscan town of Ardenza). During one of his stays in Tuscany, in November 1902, Rodin began his series of portraits of Helene von Nostitz.

Due to its small size and rapid execution, this work comes across as a sensitive, intimate portrait. Rodin made free with the materials, dipping the bust almost completely in liquid plaster then adding the detail of the hair in pencil; this enabled him to blur the model’s features while accentuating the impression of gentleness.

The artwork in the museum

Permanent collections – first floor, room 14

We cannot guarantee the presence of all our artworks; some may be out on loan.