For the sole portrait she sculpted of Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel adopted a style close to that of her mentor, so much so that it is sometimes described as a 'self-portrait by proxy.' The sculptor accentuated the modeling to heighten the facial expressiveness, concentrating all the energy in the gaze, which embodies the sculptor's creative power. Deeply hollowed out, the beard seems to transform into rock at the base, in a plastic motif that breaks away from the conventions of representation. This formal freedom is emblematic of Claudel's personal style and evokes the treatment of hair in other compositions by her hand. It is also one of the most striking images of the master, who often chose this bust to represent him in his solo exhibitions. This specific cast is among those commissioned from the artist by the journal Mercure de France. Furthermore, we know from her correspondence that Claudel was contractually responsible for the chasing. One can observe a very raw technique in the chisel marks forming furrows on the temples and upper cheeks, giving even more movement to the hair and beard.