Rodin's Hell Gate is placed in the front yard of the National Museum of Western Art, and many people stop in front of it

Hell Gate from the collection of the National Museum of Western Art

Since several of Rodin's works are generously displayed in the vestibule, which is open to the public free of charge, I assumed that all of Rodin's works in the collection of the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno were in the vestibule. In any case, not only "The Thinker" but also five other works including the famous "Hell Gate" and "Citizens of Calais" are exhibited in the vestibule. However, a search on the official website reveals that the museum has more Rodin works in its collection than one would expect. The total number of works is 88. It is surprising that the museum has not only sculptures but also drawings in its collection. A look at the history of the collection reveals that many of the works were part of the Matsukata Collection. Kojiro Matsukata, the collector of the Matsukata Collection, must have been very fond of Rodin's works.

Looking at the collection list, it is interesting to note that among the many Rodin sculptures in the collection, only five are displayed in the vestibule. I wondered if it was right to expose such valuable works of art to the wind and rain. I am not the only one who feels this way. It seems that the National Museum of Western Art had the idea that the works should be carefully stored indoors from the very beginning of its establishment. But there is only one reason why it was decided to install them outdoors: "Because they are intended to be displayed outdoors.” It is a very graceful and favorable reason.

Comment via

日本語