Dante represented by Auguste Rodin as "The Thinker"

http://rodin-web.org/works/1880_thinker.htm

          Auguste Rodin, a French artist and sculptor (1840-1917) presented the world with his Dante- inspired masterpiece, known as the “Gates of Hell” or “Rodin’s Gates.” However, immediately after the presentation of the piece, the central figure, or as it is known, the Thinker, acquired much attention, even before it was finished. The figure’s body language further involves the reader into much thought about the representation of the Divine Comedy in the piece. With the figure seated on a rock, and appearing in deep, "pensive thought," one can easily make out the elements of Inferno through the body language. "The body, twisted in tension is overwhelmed with the conditions of Inferno. The toes are twisted as to perhaps a response to such aforementioned conditions. And whereas, one arm is supporting the pensive head, the other is as free as could be – perhaps to grasp the degree of the reality depicted by the vivid imagery of Inferno." The figure, it is said was meant to stand out from the rest of "The gates of Hell," because Rodin wanted to emphasize on the creator of such  an exceptional piece of work.

         Though it was originally exhibited in an exhibit in Copenhagen in 1888, "The Thinker was thought to represent Dante, as a person." Many comparisons were made between the two – "as Dante too, used to sit on a rock in Florence called Sasso di Dante." However, later on it was inferred that the piece held a deeper meaning. It was representing the themes of the Divine Comedy rather than representing "a personal connection to Dante." The figure's facial features, which include the arching of the brows, followed by the flared nostrils lead one to believe that the figure is indeed upset. After focusing on what indeed causes such upset, one needs to look no further than the text of Inferno itself.  The punishments of the souls, the harshness of the punishment, the cruel surroundings of inferno, can all be seen to have caused such facial expressions of the Thinker. Perhaps Rodin was trying to include the frustration that Dante felt, by establishing personal connections with the souls and certain themes of Inferno, for example, Dante's connection with Francesca and Paola and their story can easily be seen in Canto IV. Furthermore, Dante's frustrations with the souls of the Heretics' circle and and other political individuals in inferno may also reflect on the facial expressions of the Thinker. The deep meaning of the Thinker is what intrigues most people. Rodin’s ability to represent multiple themes, sentiments, imagery and symbolism in one piece is what is enthralling to most people. "The Thinker’s elevated position and broad shoulders give the viewer a powerful appearance," which only enhances the overall appearance of the piece.

         Consequently, Rodin’s “Gates of Hell” are a beautiful depiction of Dante’s Divine Comedy, with many elements of the gate reflecting directly upon the sin and punishments. The sinners’ feelings and their pain are perfectly demonstrated by Rodin and the nine circles of hell are beautifully sculpted with much detail. Furthermore, the depiction of Dante in the Thinker is simply stunning. The figure represents not only Dante as an individual, but also his works of the Divine Comedy, by further representing the themes of the Inferno, Purgatorio and the Paradiso, demonstrated by the the body language of the figure.