“Man with a Broken Nose” is a bronze sculpture created by the artist Auguste Rodin in 1864, which was during the period associated with Impressionism in France. Despite that, Rodin’s work is often seen as anticipating modern sculpture rather than being typical of the Impressionist style. This artwork, which is currently part of a private collection, embodies the genre of sculpture and represents Rodin’s early foray into a practice that would eventually earn him wide acclaim.
The artwork captures the head of an elderly man with a distinctly damaged nose, giving the sculpture its title. Rodin’s skill in rendering the textures and forms of the human face is evident here, as the artwork features deeply set, brooding eyes, a prominently furrowed brow, and the rough-hewn details of the beard and hair, which suggest a great depth of character and experience. The asymmetry and stark realism of the broken nose disrupt the classical ideals of beauty, positioning the piece as a poignant study of human imperfection and vulnerability. The sculpture’s surface bears the marks of Rodin’s sculptural process, adding a tactile, expressive quality that reflects the artist’s hands-on approach and desire to evoke emotional resonance.
