Captured by a Sculptor Enchanted With Dance: Nijinsky

With its striking, dynamic pose — caught as if landing from a jump, or lifting a leg in preparation to leap — this sculpture is modeled on the Russian dancer Nijinsky. Widely regarded as one of the most gifted male dancers of his era, Nijinsky became Rodin's model because the sculptor was an enthusiastic admirer of his work.

For Rodin, dance was an endless source of inspiration for his sculpture. He regularly attended performances of every kind, from classical ballet to street performances to traditional dances from around the world, and through these outings he came to know many of the world's leading dancers personally. His connection to Nijinsky began the same way.