La jeneusse triomphante (Youth Triumphant)

This enigmatic composition by master sculptor Rodin was first exhibited at the 1896 Salon and shows the aged figure of the Helmetmaker’s wife with a young girl in her lap. The exact meaning of the coupling is not clear. It could represent the recognition of the inevitability of mortality — the young seeking to stop aging — to stay light hearted, beautiful and carefree.