The artwork titled “Right Hand” is a sculpture by the renowned artist Auguste Rodin, associated with Impressionism, a movement known for its emphasis on the artist’s perception and depiction of the natural world. This particular sculpture is part of the collection at the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts, located at Stanford University in Stanford, California, United States.
The artwork presents a highly detailed bronze cast of a right hand, emerging from a solid base that serves to anchor the piece visually and physically. It is displayed in such a way that the hand appears to rise upwards, with fingers extended and slightly curled as though reaching for something or in the midst of a gestural expression. The surface of the sculpture exhibits a rich patina, with deep lustrous tones that accentuate the contours of the hand and the form’s lifelike quality.
Rodin’s skill is particularly evident in the intricate rendering of the anatomical details, capturing the nuances of the human hand’s musculature, veins, and tendons. The play of light and shadow across the surface enhances the sense of depth and movement within the sculpture, imbuing it with a palpable sense of vitality and expressive force. Through this work, Rodin demonstrates a profound understanding of the human form and the potential of sculpture to convey emotion and dynamic tension.
