Rating and value of works, sculptures by Auguste Rodin

Rating and value of works, sculptures by Auguste Rodin

Key takeaways

  • Auguste Rodin, considered one of the fathers of modern sculpture, has works that fetch prices ranging from €70 to €720,000, depending on the technique used.
  • Bronze is the dominant material in the Rodin market, with estimates ranging from €20 to €13,472,160, followed by marble (€1,500 to €15,786,000).
  • In 2022, his sculpture “The Thinker” sold for €9,150,500, within the estimated range of €9 million to €14 million.

If you own a work by or after the artist Auguste Rodin, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of the artist Auguste Rodin  

Considered one of the fathers of modern sculpture in France, Auguste Rodin was recognized and admired during his lifetime. He follows in the artistic vein of Carrier-Belleuse. His legacy therefore consists mainly of sculptures made from several types of material, especially bronze. At present, prices for his works are rising recurrently at auctioneers' gavels. His sculptures are prized above all by French buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €70 to €720,000, a considerable delta, which nevertheless speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Rodin's works. In 2022, one of his bronze sculptures, Le Penseur, sold for €9,150,500 while it was estimated at between €9,000,000 and €14,000 000.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Technique used

Result

Drawing - watercolor

From €150 to €190,000

Estamp

From €5 to €59,640

Terracotta

From 1,680 to 240,000€

Bronze

From 20 to 13,472 160€

Marble

From 1,500 to 15,786,000€

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Style and technique by artist Auguste Rodin

The artist was part of the Symbolist movement, becoming one of the most famous and sought-after sculptors of his time. He worked extensively in marble, but also in bronze, and it is the latter material that is most often found in his works on the auction market.

Rodin, terre cuite

Rodin, father of modern sculpture 

Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) was a French sculptor widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his innovative approach to sculpture, which helped define the style of modern art. He studied sculpture at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, and in the studios of Barye and Carrier-Belleuse.

Rodin is famous for his ability to capture human emotion and create sculptures that seem almost alive. His most famous works include Le Penseur, Le Baiser", Les Bourgeois de Calaisand La Porte de l'Enfer. His sculptures are characterized by their intense realism, expressiveness and distinctive treatment of texture.

Although he was criticized in his early years for his unconventional approach to sculpture, Rodin was eventually recognized as a master of his art and exerted a profound influence on subsequent generations of artists. His work marked the transition between the academic style of the 19th century and the more modern artistic movements of the 20th century, such as Cubism and Expressionism.

Beyond his sculptures, Rodin was also a prolific draughtsman and left behind a large number of drawings and sketches that illustrate his creative process and artistic vision. His works are exhibited in museums around the world, and his legacy continues to influence the world of art and sculpture.

Carrier-Belleuse's imprint on his period   

Auguste Rodin marked his era by revolutionizing sculpture with his innovative and expressive approach. Defying academic conventions, he captured human emotion with unprecedented depth, creating works that ranged from joy to suffering. His influence on subsequent generations, his iconic work La Porte de l'Enfer symbolizing the spirit of his time, and his late recognition as a master sculptor legitimized his status as a major artist and continue to inspire modern art to this day. Only the Rodin Museum in Paris holds the moral rights to his work.

Recognizing Rodin's signature

Auguste Rodin signs " Rodin" on his sculptures, most of the time. There are, however, many copies, which is why expertise is important.  

Knowing the value of a work 

If you happen to own an Auguste Rodin work or one after the artist, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you are considering selling your work, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Who was Auguste Rodin, and why are his works so highly sought after?
    Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) was a French sculptor considered one of the fathers of modern sculpture. Recognized during his lifetime, he revolutionized art by capturing human emotion with unprecedented depth and by defying academic conventions. His major works, such as *The Thinker*, *The Kiss*, and *The Burghers of Calais*, continue to influence modern art and remain highly prized by collectors, particularly in France.
  • What is the price range for Rodin's sculptures?
    The prices of Rodin's works vary considerably depending on the material and the piece's reputation. They range from 70€ for simple prints to over 13 million euros for prestigious bronzes. For example, watercolor drawings range from €150 to €190,000, while bronze sculptures can fetch up to €13.4 million depending on their significance.
  • How can a work attributed to Auguste Rodin be authenticated?
    Authenticating a Rodin work requires professional expertise, as there are many copies in circulation. Rodin generally signed his sculptures with the single word “Rodin,” but this signature alone is not sufficient. We recommend that you request a free appraisal from our state-certified auctioneers and experts, who will assess the authenticity of your piece with no obligation.
  • Is this the right time to sell a Rodin sculpture?
    Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by Rodin. Prices for his sculptures are rising steadily at auction, and demand remains steady, particularly among French collectors. The market recognizes the historical and artistic value of his works, which creates ideal conditions for a sale.
  • How does the free appraisal of a work of art work at Auctie's?
    The appraisal is simple and non-binding: simply submit your artwork via our online form. A state-certified expert or auctioneer will contact you shortly to provide you with an accurate estimate of its market value and relevant information. If you wish to sell, we will then assist you in securing the best terms for the sale.