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Download Shaheen speaks about this marble sculpture The Hand of God. (1.9 MB)
Description
Rodin’s The Hand of God has been viewed not only as a metaphorical representation of the creation of man but also as a commentary on the sculptor’s role as creator. The emblematic hand that emerges from a block of roughly hewn marble represents the Divine Creator forming the bodies of Adam and Eve interlocked in a primal embrace. In contrast to the figures’ slender, attenuated limbs, the sinewy hand was perceived by critics as that of a working man. Together, the well-defined hand and the ephemeral figures bridge Rodin’s interests in both realist and symbolist art. One of three known marble versions of The Hand of God, RISD’s sculpture was purchased directly from Rodin by Samuel P. Colt (1852-1921) of Rhode Island. The Museum acquired it after Colt’s death. 1898-1917
Publication Date
2-20-2014
Publisher
RISD Museum
City
Providence, Rhode Island
Keywords
Rhode Island School of Design Museum; French; marble; carving; sculpture; God; Divine Creator; Adam and Eve; 19th Century, 20th Century
Disciplines
Sculpture
Recommended Citation
Shaheen, Stephen, "The Hand of God" (2014). Channel. 7.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/risdmuseum_channel/7