Rodin

Who doesn’t love looking at the works by sculptor Auguste Rodin? This book also profiles his work and his life. The co-author was previously curator at the Musee Rodin in Paris, France. His careful style and descriptions are proof that he knows his subject very well indeed. I particularly loved how an entire chapter was given to his student Camille Claudel, who was so incredibly gifted but lived a very sad life.

It seems like Rodin truly did live for his art and everything and everyone else was second, if that. Rodin was born in poverty and worked tirelessly to escape that existence. It was only later in life that he dressed well and went into society. This is not an over-large coffee-table type book, but the photographs are very well done. I was not familiar with Rodin’s drawing and loved looking at this aspect of his work. The book quotes Rodin as saying, “I myself was a draftsman before I was a sculptor.” He obviously carefully planned out his work. He also traveled and studied the great masters. His Gates of Hell reflects that Italian influence. If you collect art books, love the work of Rodin, or just want to learn more about his life and art, this book will please you a great deal.