Auguste Rodin’s career maps the progress of 19th-century art, from the Romantic revolt against Neo-classicism, to the radical enquiry that paved the way for the Modernist developments of the 20th century. The V&A’s collection of works by Rodin is unique in that they were given by the artist, to represent his art in Britain and commemorate British soldiers fighting in France in November 1914. An American of French extraction, the Duchesse de Choiseul became an intimate friend of Rodin’s. This bust has an air of informality, born out of their relationship and the fact that it is a study rather than a formal commission. As with many of Rodin’s works, other versions exist in other materials.