Auguste Rodin (1840-1917)
Born in 1850, Parisian sculptor Auguste Rodin would eventually become known as a sort of father figure to modern art. Rodin began his interest in art at a young age, however he was, essentially, completely self-taught in his methods. While he wished to attend the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts), he was unfortunately rejected. Thankfully this experience did not discourage him from continuing with art. Instead, with the death of his sister and a trip to visit the works of Michelangelo, Rodin became inspired to pursue his artistic wishes.
Many disliked Rodin’s works, as they stepped away from traditional sculpture. He received much criticism as his work was the sculptural equivalent of gestural painting. Rodin wished to rebel against classical forms and instead portray nature as its truest form. In fact, his work (such as the ‘Mask of the Man with the Broken Nose,’ completed in 1864) was rejected for this very reason. His sculptures depicted the faces of real local people instead of mythological beauties. His technique was very unique as Rodin kept the evidence of his process. He would leave them evident with the marks of his tools. Regardless of his rejection of idealised characters, his works held their own magic. He has been described to create “a universe of great passion and tragedy, a world of imagination that exceeded the mundane reality of everyday existence.”
Above: The Kiss, 1889, by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917). His relationship with his lover and muse, Camille Claudel, is said to have inspired this beautiful piece.
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