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Amgueddfa Cymru — National Museum Wales

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Head of Victor Hugo (1802-1885)

Artist: RODIN, Auguste (1840-1917)

The great French author Victor Hugo was a passionate Republican and his epic novels highlight the social and political injustices of his time. When Napoleon III seized power in 1851, Hugo declared him a traitor. He lived in exile in Guernsey until the fall of the Second Empire in 1870, returning to Paris as the hostilities of the Franco-Prussian War were escalating Hugo was unwilling to sit and pose for his portrait so Rodin worked from quick sketches. The artist stated, 'I thought I had seen a French Jupiter; when I knew him better he seemed more like Hercules'. The bust conveys the dignified status of this great author and French national hero, who wrote epics such as 'Les Miserables' and 'Notre-Dame de Paris'. Sir William Goscombe John described it as 'about his finest in that genre and celebrated the world over. It is a splendidly honest work'.

Head of Victor Hugo
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales Download (for personal use only)

Personal Use – images can be used by the person downloading them for research, study or creating learning resources. Images cannot be used for commercial purposes.

For all other uses and formats please contact images@museumwales.ac.uk

What is personal use?

Collection Area

Art

Item Number

NMW A 304

Creation/Production

RODIN, Auguste
Role: Creation
Date: 1883 ca

Acquisition

Gift, 1934
Given by Sir William Goscombe John

Measurements

Height: 32cm
Width: 20cm
l(cm):17
Height: 19 plinthcm
Width: 27.7 plinthcm
l(cm):15.2 plinth

Techniques

cast
forming
Applied Art

Material

bronze
wood

Location

In store

Categories

Sculpture Fine Art Record to be verified Portrait

Comments - (4)

Sara Huws Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales Staff
26 November 2015, 15:13

Hi there John,

Thanks for your enquiry,

I'm afraid we cannot give valuations on objects - we would recommend you ask at your local auction house as they will be best placed to give you a value. If you are interested in learning more about your object, your are welcome to come along to our Art Opinion Service - the next one is on Dec 4th.

Sara
Digital Team

John barlow
26 November 2015, 12:42
Hi there I have a bronze bust of victor the face is identical to this one in your museum but mine is on a bronze stand just wondering if the museum could help me with valuation of it please
Sara Huws Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales Staff
21 August 2014, 09:54

Hi there,

Our online shop stocks many items inspired by the collection, as well as a 'print on demand' service. However we don't offer a copy of this particular work for purchase, I'm afraid.

Sara

Loraine Campbell
20 August 2014, 19:19
Do you know where I could buy a copy of a victor hugo bust. I am looking to get one as a birthday present for someone special. Many thanks
Comments are currently unavailable. We apologise for the inconvenience.

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Head of Victor Hugo
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  • Head of Victor Hugo