The Thinker

4 Feb 2011 - Auguste Rodin's (1840-1917) statue "The Thinker" was four years ago stolen by a group of criminals from a museum in Holland. The thieves must have been amateurs as they left a map leading to one of their homes behind on the crime scene. The Thinker was found back after three days. However, the statue was severely damaged during the robbery. The statue has now been completely restored and is again on display in Dutch museum Singer in Laren. The Thinker is thinking about the heaviness of our existence. Rodin was inspired by the works of Dante when he made this statue. Some believe that The Thinker is actually Dante, thinking with every muscle in his body. Every muscle is tense, even the muscles in his toes. Others believe that The Thinker is actually a self-image of Rodin, who thinks about life. Rodin loved this statue, and often he was photographed in a similar pensive position. Dutch museum Singer has now opened an exhibition on Auguste Rodin and his beautiful works - and it comes highly recommended. The exhibition closes on May 28, 2011.