Created to be an inspiration to the poet in the second version of the "Monument to Victor Hugo", "Iris" later developed into independent figures. With or without her head, she is foremost of Rodin's figures whose subject is flight or landing.

In its earlier version, the torso of "Iris" displayed far more of the process of its creation. Here the anatomy has been refined, the depiction of the genetalia is less explicit, and the form, less dynamic. These qualities suggest that Rodin had already  considered the figure an independent, or successfully "dismantled" work, separate from the "Monument," and available to be produced independently or combined with other figures.