Auguste RODIN (1840-1917) The Old Tree, model of 1885 Proof in patinated bronze, dedicated "Mon ami Deschamp" (Worn patina). Contemporary cast, numbered 2/25 marked reproduction height : 39,5 cm Rodin offered the original plaster cast to his friend Deschamp, publisher of the newspaper "La plume". We have traces of this sculpture in a letter now preserved in the archives of the Musée Rodin, in which Deschamp wrote to the sculptor: "... Your art has never been better synthesised than in this sublime piece and it is a proud joy for me to see my name traced on the plinth, above your signature".