What was Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker originally called?
Answer
The Poet
Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker was originally called The Poet.
Rodin conceived the figure as part of The Gates of Hell, his monumental project inspired largely by Dante’s Divine Comedy. The seated man was placed above the doors and was commonly understood in relation to Dante, although Rodin’s image developed beyond a simple portrait or literal illustration.
The figure’s muscular body and concentrated pose combine physical strength with intense mental activity. Rodin later enlarged and exhibited the work independently, helping it become one of the most recognizable sculptures in the world.
The modern title The Thinker emphasizes contemplation, but the earlier title preserves the figure’s literary connection. It is also important not to confuse the sculpture with a generic philosopher statue: Rodin’s original concept linked it to the poetic and visionary world of The Gates of Hell.