Roderick Hudson

Rowland Mallet is a wealthy American art patron who recognizes the talent of the young sculptor Roderick Hudson. He offers financial support and takes Roderick from America to Rome so he can develop as an artist ([Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/261031/roderick-hudson-by-henry-james-edited-with-an-introduction-by-geoffrey-moore-notes-by-patricia-crick/9780140432640/)).

Rowland believes Rome will expose Roderick to major artistic influences and give his sculpture a serious chance to mature. The move also places Roderick in a demanding social and romantic world that tests his discipline ([Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/261031/roderick-hudson-by-henry-james-edited-with-an-introduction-by-geoffrey-moore-notes-by-patricia-crick/9780140432640/)).

Yes. It is an early novel from 1875 and is often treated as James's first major full-length attempt, following the artistic rise and instability of its title character ([Penguin Random House](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/261031/roderick-hudson-by-henry-james-edited-with-an-introduction-by-geoffrey-moore-notes-by-patricia-crick/9780140432640/)).

The novel originally appeared as a serial in The Atlantic Monthly during 1875 before being published in book form. Its structure follows Roderick's artistic development as a young American sculptor in Europe ([Roderick Hudson overview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roderick_Hudson)).