The Thinker 1880, reduced in 1903, date of cast unknown Bronze 14 3/4 x 7 7/8 x 11 3/8 in. Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation Resting on the tympanum (the horizontal panel above the doors), The Thinker became the focal point of The Gates of Hell and subsequently perhaps the most well-known sculpture of all time. The athletic-looking figure, inspired by the sculpture of Michelangelo, depicts a man in sober meditation, yet whose muscles strain with effort—possibly to evoke a powerful internal struggle. Rodin initially referred to the figure as Dante but eventually what we know as The Thinker evolved into a more symbolic representation of creativity, intellect, and above all—thought.