Description
This sculpture portrays one of the Danaïds from Greek mythology, women condemned to the underworld to perform an endless, futile task—forever trying to fill a vessel riddled with holes. Rodin captures the figure crouched in despair, overwhelmed by this hopeless labor. Originally intended for The Gates of Hell, made in 1889, the piece was later enlarged and carved in marble for buyer Herman Frithiof Antell. Its success led Rodin to produce additional versions in marble, bronze, and other materials.
