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Long-Lost Rodin Marble 'Despair' Fetches €860,000 at French Auction

Authentication by the Comité Rodin this year followed its rediscovery in a central France family's collection

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A photograph showing the detail on one of the feet in the sculpture.
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The small Rodin sculpture was long considered to be just a copy

Overview

  • The sculpture was rediscovered at the end of 2024 in a central France family’s home after being mistaken for a copy.
  • The Comité Rodin confirmed its authenticity in early 2025 following an investigation led by the Rouillac auction house.
  • At a passionate auction on June 9, the 28.5-centimeter marble figure fetched €860,000 from a young US West Coast banker.
  • Rodin sculpted 'Despair' in 1892-93 as part of his monumental 'The Gates of Hell' project.
  • Most of Rodin’s marble sculptures are held by museums such as the Musée Rodin, making this private sale unusually rare.