Paris, Musée Rodin is in financial trouble and plans to sell its works

The Musée Rodin in Paris, home to the masterpieces of the great sculptor Auguste Rodin (Paris, 1840 - Meudon, 1917), and the home of such celebrated works as La Cathedrale, the Danaid, and the Thinker, is in danger of finding itself in the position of having to sell some of Rodin’s works in order to cope with the financial problems that are affecting it, especially due to the crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. This was revealed by the French business newspaper Les Echos.

The museum is a very special case, because it receives no public support and is self-financing, mainly thanks to the tourist public: in fact, 75 percent of the visitors come from outside (there are a total of 551 thousand visitors registered last year), and of these 25 percent are Americans. Another important item in the revenue chapter is the sale of bronze reproductions of Rodin’s sculptures: but again, this is a source fed by the public. Then, again, there is the rental of rooms for events.

All activities heavily affected by the coronavirus. The reopening is scheduled for July 7, but the Musée Rodin expects far lower numbers than normal. The institute calculates that the crisis will result in a loss of 3 million euros, and to cope with the holes in the budget the museum is considering selling some of Rodin’s original works to raise cash.

The museum, it is learned, also holds the rights to Rodin’s work: each sculpture by the French artist can be produced in twelve authorized bronze specimens, which are considered the same as originals, and the institution deliberates on the casting of these specimens. And even today the Musée Rodin produces originals, as long as they do not exceed the quota of twelve specimens. Some famous sculptures, such as the Thinker, have already been cast in the authorized twelve specimens, but others have yet to reach the limit, although sales of these originals are rare and are generally for institutions. This time, however, the museum, says director Catherine Chevillot, may be making a break with the rule and engaging private galleries to sell Rodin’s works.

“We already have agreements with contemporary art galleries in France, starting in our region,” Chevillot said. “We will make an attempt next year in London, and then we have a piece at Gagosian in New York, with the aim of reaching a new clientele.” Chevillot is now appealing to institutions and patrons: in fact, the museum would rather find other sources of income than sell its works.

Pictured: Auguste Rodin, The Thinker (1903; bronze, 180 x 98 x 145 cm; Paris, Musée Rodin)

Paris, Musée Rodin is in financial trouble and plans to sell its works

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