16/05/2021
Exhibition at the Tate Modern in Lond on from 18 May to 31 October 2021.
François Auguste René Rodin (12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917) was a French sculptor regarded as being the founder of modern sculpture.
In all probability influenced by his student, assistant and lover, the young Camille Claudel, Rodin created work more naturalistic, dynamic and forceful than his predecessors. A Simon Bisley rather than a Don Lawrence.Scuptures such as The Kiss, The Thinker and The Burghers of Calais make Him one of the few sculptors whose name is recognised by the general public.Although best known for his works in bronze or marble the emphasis here is on the role of modeling in his work, Rodin working in the pliable materials of clay and plaster to capture movement and form.
There are over 150 works demonstrating this tradition challenging method. Rodin broke the rules of classical sculpture to create new images of the body that reflected the concerns and ideas of the changing times.
Controversy accompanied Rodin’s early career but he went on to become the most distinguished French sculptor of his time.
There was a Rodin exhibition in London some thirty years ago or so to which I went and from which I still carry images in my head.
https://wwwL.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/ey-exhibition-rodin
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Auguste-Rodin/Discords-and-triumphs
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