Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, The Gates of Hell before you is more than just a sculpture. It is a portal into Rodin’s tormented genius.
This monumental bronze sculptural group stands over 20 feet tall. It is over 13 feet wide. It is a staggering sight to behold. Auguste Rodin worked on The Gates of Hell for 37 years. He began in 1880. He continued until his death in 1917.
Initially, The Gates of Hell was commissioned as an entrance for a new Decorative Arts Museum in Paris. The museum was never built. Rodin continued to work on the project. He was driven by his vision.
Look closely. You will see 180 figures writhing in agony. These figures depict characters from Dante’s Inferno. Rodin eventually discarded the strict narrative. He created a chaotic world of pain and despair.
Many figures from The Gates of Hell became famous sculptures in their own right. “The Thinker” is perhaps the most well-known. It sits atop the gates. It contemplates the suffering below. “The Kiss” was originally part of the gates. Rodin removed it. Its depiction of joy clashed with the surrounding torment.
Consider Ugolino and His Children. It is a disturbing depiction of starvation and desperation. The Three Shades point to the inscription. It reads “Abandon every hope, ye who enter here.” These words encapsulate the despair within The Gates of Hell.
Rodin drew inspiration from various sources. Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise influenced him. Michelangelo’s Last Judgment was another inspiration. He also admired Balzac and Baudelaire.
Rodin once said he lived with Dante for a year. He drew the eight circles of the Inferno. He wanted to capture Dante’s vision. He also wanted to incorporate his own understanding of human suffering.
There are several casts of The Gates of Hell around the world. One is here at the Rodin Museum. Others are in Paris and Tokyo. They allow viewers across the globe to experience Rodin’s masterpiece.
Take a moment to walk around The Gates of Hell. Notice the Back Door to Hell. It is a small maintenance door. It offers a glimpse into the internal structure of this massive bronze monument.
The Gates of Hell is not merely a depiction of Dante’s Inferno. It is a reflection of Rodin’s artistic vision. It explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition. It is a powerful and enduring work of art. It continues to captivate and disturb viewers today.