The Benedictions 1894, Musée Rodin cast in 1955 Bronze 35 ½  x  24 x 19 in. Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation In 1898 Armand Dayot, French Inspector General of Fine Arts, proposed the building of a monument to honor labor. There were others collaborating on the project, but Rodin was placed in charge of the overall theme and composition. Combining architectural and sculptural elements, Rodin created a tall column covered with bas-reliefs that ascended from a crypt below the ground platform. The very top of the tower is crowned by two winged figures known as The Benedictions. Although the monument was never realized, The Benedictions was exhibited as an independent work.