George Bernard Shaw

Artist François-Auguste-René Rodin (1840 - 1917)

Date1906

MediumMarble

Dimensions59 x 47.5 x 28 cm

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery. Donated by George Bernard Shaw, 1908.

Object number534

DescriptionWhen this bust was made Rodin was little aware of the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw’s (1856-1950) growing fame. Rodin was “struck by the Christ-like appearance of Mr Shaw’s features.” Rodin did three busts in plaster, bronze and marble. Of the three busts, Rodin said “…the marble has a completely different type of life. It shines and the light emanates from it. It does not have the aspect of a solid: it has a luminous air and this éclat and extraordinary emanation prevent the curious from touching it. It seems in effect that one could not seize it.” Shaw paid Rodin £1,000 for the marble bust and presented it to the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art.

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