Long-lost Rodin sculpture found in N. J. borough hall

MADISON, N.J. — A bust of Napoleon by French sculptor Auguste Rodin long thought to be lost was found on display in a New Jersey borough hall where it sat for 85 years.

The bust’s origin was confirmed in 2015, but officials waited to reveal the multimillion-dollar artwork was a longlost piece by Rodin on Wednesday. The owners of the bust announced it will be leaving the Madison borough hall on loan to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Record reported.

The authentication was made in person by Jerome Le Blay, an international expert in modern sculpture.

Philanthropist Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge purchased the sculpture after it was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from 1915 to 1929. Officials believe Dodge donated the bust along with other art to the borough hall around 1942. There, the bust sat for decades as its record was lost to time.