what is this?
This is a statue showing us sirens, part-bird and part-woman creatures from Greek mythology.
In this case, Rodin is preparing imagery for his larger work, The Gates of Hell. These mythological figures, known for luring some of Odysseus's crew to their deaths, were, in Rodin's eyes, a perfect match for the subject matter in The Gates of Hell.
At least five marble versions of this sculpture were also produced in Rodin's studio.