This well known sculpture represents the lovers Paolo and Francesca and, like many of Rodin's other works of Dantesque inspiration, grew out of a project for the 'Gates of Hell'.
There are three marbles in all. The first is now in the Musee Rodin in Paris. The second belongs to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptothek, Copenhagen. The one for the Tate was the only one remaining in private possession, and, in the opinion of Rodin himself, the finest version. It was executed, like the others, not by Rodin himself but by Italian workmen under his immediate supervision. It was purchased after the Tate launched a public campaign.
Provenance
Commissioned by Mr Edward Warren in 1900; passed to his private secreatary, Mr Asa Thomas in 1928.