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Carved originally in marble in 1882, this is one of Rodin's most popular works. It has subsequently been reproduced in both marble and bronze.

The woman is Francesca da Rimini, a 13th century noblewoman, who fell in love with her husband's brother, Paolo Malatesta. Discovered and killed by her husband, they live on in art. First, their story was immortalized by Dante who meets them in the Second Circle of Hell in the Inferno. Rodin initially intended to place the lovers on his Gates of Hell, inspired by Dante's work. He reconsidered, deciding that their happiness and sensuality did not fit the mood and theme of his Gates. Paolo and Francesca did eventually find a place on the Gates of Hell, but not in this wonderfully romantic embrace.

   

   

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