‘Very desirable’ rare cast of Rodin’s The Kiss is up for auction

The 60cm-high bronze of Rodin’s The Kiss was one of the first three cast in this size. Photograph: ADER/E Robin/E Brossette

Auguste Rodin’s sensual portrayal of tragic lovers caught in an embrace before being killed by a jealous husband is one of the world’s most recognised works of art.

The French artist had the idea for The Kiss (Le Baiser) in 1882, and the larger-than-lifesize marble artwork emerged a decade later. By then, Rodin was the most influential international sculptor of the age.