Rodin

by Raphael Masson, Véronique Mattiussi, Jacques Vilain (Foreword)

This definitive monograph from the Musée Rodin in Paris on the pioneering artist who paved the way for modern sculpture is now available in an affordable compact format. Revered today as the greatest sculptor of all time, whose expressive style prefigured that of the modernist movement and abstract sculpture, Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) stirred up much controversy during his lifetime, and his sculptures often met with hostility and incomprehension from his peers. This monograph traces the life and work of the artist, from his youth and early poverty-stricken years of apprenticeship to his most celebrated works—The Kiss, The Thinker, The Gates of Hell—which have become veritable icons; and from his passionate and tumultuous relationship with Camille Claudel to his extraordinary studio, working methods, and sources of inspiration, and his final years marked by war and illness. 
Written by experts from the Musée Rodin in Paris, this richly illustrated volume includes drawings, watercolors, engravings, and archival documents, as well as specially commissioned photographs of Rodin’s sculptures, completed by a chronology, bibliography, and history of the Musée Rodin—housed in the artist’s former studio in the Hôtel Biron. Providing insight into the many facets of his creative genius, this new compact edition of the Musée Rodin’s definitive reference on the artist and his oeuvre coincides with museum’s reopening in September 2015.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art History, Biography

248 pages, Hardcover

First published November 6, 2004

Reviews

[Wout · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goed boek dat Auguste Rodin schetst als een veelzijdig kunstenaar. Door het plaatsen van Rodin in zijn kunsthistorische context toont men de kunstenaar als een conservatieve avant-gardist. Boeiend waren vooral de hoofdstukken over zijn verzameling (crocifici tot pleurants) en de verschillende inspiratiebronnen voor zijn oeuvre. Dat zowel de hedendaagse dans, de oude Grieken en Romeinen, Middeleeuwse- en renaissancekunstenaars als de moderne en oude literatuur hem inspireren en aanzetten tot werk, tonen dat hij werkt in een traditie die hij verder uitdiept en keert.

[Robyn]

Skimmed, mostly for the visuals. Would revisit if I wanted to learn more about Rodin and his work.

The parts I read about Camille Claudel were particularly interesting. Her 1895 sculpture, La Petite Chatelaine, is exquisite; Claude Debussy owned a copy.

[Melissa Lenore Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well organized and informative, provides great detail into all aspects of Rodin's life and the influences on his art, as well as its development. The images in are extensive and wonderful.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex aequo met Bernini (Galeria Borghese!) mijn favoriete beeldhouwer. Tijdens de Berlinale (februari 2013) ging een film over Camille Claudel, de maitresse en assistente van Rodin, in premiere met Juliette Binoche (mijn favoriete Franse actrice) Als Camille. Ga ik zeker zien.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice visuals.