Rodin's favourite model and source for many figures during his initial studies for "The Gates of Hell" was Adele Abruzzeti. Rodin valued her ability to strike original poses, such as this one, "Woman Grabbing her Right Foot," and others. Rodin employed "Torso of Adele," or variants of it in a number of other sculptures, including "Eternal Spring," one his most important, early two-figure compositions.

"Torso of Adele" is one of the few works, other than portraits, in whose title Rodin recorded the name of the model.