The lithe form of the woman bends seductively over the hunched body of the man, draping her long hair over his head while she whispers in his ear. The woman's presence seems to torture the man, who contorts his muscular body away from her and covers his mouth to suppress a scream. The graceful woman represents a muse or the personification of inspiration. For the sculptor, Auguste Rodin, creativity could be both a source of great beauty and torment.

Excerpt from

Heather MacDonald, DMA label copy, 2010.

• The Rodin Museum, Philadelphia
  Learn more about the life and work of Auguste Rodin from the American Rodin Museum.

• Musée Rodin, Paris
  Learn more about the life and work of Auguste Rodin from the French Musée Rodin.