Auguste Rodin: Life and Works of a Revolutionary Sculptor

Auguste Rodin, born François-Auguste-René Rodin on November 12, 1840, in Paris, was a French sculptor and artist who revolutionized modern sculpture. His work marked the beginning of modern plastic arts and sculpture, breaking away from traditional academic ideals.

Highlight: Rodin's unique approach to sculpture laid the foundation for modern artistic movements, including Expressionism and Cubism.

Key points about Rodin's life and career:

• Born into a conservative family, Rodin studied at the "Petite École" from 1853 to 1857.
• Despite three unsuccessful attempts to study sculpture formally, he pursued an unofficial artistic career.
• Rodin's first artistic recognition came through public commissions.
• He served as President of the International Society of Sculptors, Painters and Gravers in London from 1904.
• In 1905/1906, he established his studio at the Hotel Biron in Paris, which is now the Musée Rodin.

Vocabulary: Auguste Rodin epoche refers to the artistic period in which Rodin worked, bridging the gap between traditional and modern sculpture.

Early Life and Artistic Development

Auguste Rodin's early life was marked by both challenges and formative experiences that shaped his artistic vision:

• Born into a conservative family, with his father working as a police officer.
• Studied at the "Petite École" from 1853 to 1857, developing his artistic skills.
• Made three unsuccessful attempts to study sculpture formally at the École des Beaux-Arts.
• These setbacks led to an unofficial artistic career, allowing Rodin to develop his unique style outside traditional academic constraints.

Definition: The "Petite École," officially known as the École Impériale Spéciale de Dessin et de Mathématiques, was a school in Paris that focused on decorative arts and design.

Artistic Career and Personal Life

Rodin's artistic career was intertwined with significant personal relationships and professional milestones:

• In 1862, he experienced a life crisis following his sister's death, leading him to briefly join the Catholic order of Pères du Saint-Sacrement.
• Became a student of Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse in 1864, a relationship that ended in 1870 due to a dispute in Brussels.
• Gained his first artistic recognition through public commissions.
• Had a significant relationship with Camille Claudel from 1883 to 1893, who was initially his student and later became his lover.
• Involved with Gwen John, a Welsh painter and model, from 1904 for about 10 years.

Example: The relationship between Rodin and Camille Claudel significantly influenced both artists' works, with Claudel serving as both muse and collaborator.