The Circle (La Ronde)

Artist Auguste Rodin French, 1840 - 1917

Dateca. 1883

MediumDrypoint

DimensionsOverall: 11 1/2 × 7 5/8 in. (29.2 × 19.4 cm)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineThe Sparling Family Collection

Object number2025.1.64

On View

On view

DescriptionBlack line print of a dance scene. At the center of the print, a group of seven naked men dance in a circle, holding hands above their heads. To the left of the dance circle, a group of four nude figures watch. Two of the figures are standing, one facing the circle and one facing forward. In front of them, the third figure is seated on an invisible surface. At the feet of the seated figure, the fourth figure sits on their knees with their back to the dance circle. On the right-side of the dance circle, there are five more onlookers. In a similar composition to those on the left, two figures stand on the outer edge, one behind the other, both with heads turned to face each other. In front of them, is a seated figure with no apparent surface underneath. Next to the seated figure, and smaller childlike figure stands facing the dance circle with their proper left arm bent upwards to cover their face from the scene. In front of the smaller figure, the fifth figure lays in front of the circle and is propping themself up with their arms to turn and look behind them at the other bystanders. In the distance, hills can be seen rising from the horizon line. "AA" printed at the bottom right corner.

Published in 1905 for L'Art et les Artistes.Exhibition History"French Prints from the Tobin Sparling Collection," The Hyde Collection, Hoopes Gallery, Feb. 14-July 26, 2026.ProvenanceAffordable Art 101, Miami; purchased by Tobin Sparling, Little Rock, Arkansas, November 16, 2014; given to The Hyde Collection, Glens Falls, New York, 2025.