Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) was a French sculptor widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of modern sculpture. Here are key points about Auguste Rodin:1. **Early Life**: François-Auguste-René Rodin was born on November 12, 1840, in Paris, France. He showed an early interest in art but faced some struggles in his formal education.2. **Artistic Education**: Rodin studied at the Petite École and later entered the École des Beaux-Arts. However, he faced rejection and criticism for his unconventional style, which led him to pursue independent study and travel.3. **Early Works and Influences**: Rodin's early works, such as "The Age of Bronze" (1877), already displayed his innovative approach to realism and expression. He admired Michelangelo and was influenced by the classical and Renaissance traditions.4. **"The Gates of Hell"**: Commissioned in 1881, "The Gates of Hell" was a monumental sculptural group that occupied Rodin for much of his career. It served as a compendium of his artistic themes and featured several of his future masterpieces, including "The Thinker" and "The Kiss."5. **"The Thinker"**: One of Rodin's most famous sculptures, "The Thinker," was originally conceived as part of "The Gates of Hell." It represents a contemplative man sitting on a rock, deep in thought. The statue has become an iconic symbol of intellectual activity.6. **Controversies and Recognition**: Rodin faced controversies and criticism for some of his works, such as "The Age of Bronze," which was initially accused of being a cast of a living model due to its lifelike quality. Despite this, he gained recognition and success.7. **Individualism and Innovation**: Rodin is known for breaking away from traditional academic conventions and embracing individual expression. His sculptures often featured dynamic, unconventional poses and emphasized the expressive qualities of the human form.8. **Collaboration with Camille Claudel**: Rodin had a tumultuous love affair and professional collaboration with the talented sculptor Camille Claudel. Their relationship influenced each other's work, but it ended in a painful separation.9. **Later Works and Commissions**: Rodin continued to produce notable works, including commissioned sculptures like "The Burghers of Calais" (1889) and "The Monument to Balzac" (unfinished). He also worked on portrait sculptures, capturing the personalities of his subjects.10. **Rodin Museum**: The Musée Rodin in Paris, dedicated to the works of Rodin, opened in 1919, two years after his death. The museum displays many of his sculptures, drawings, and other works.11. **Death**: Auguste Rodin passed away on November 17, 1917, in Meudon, France.12. **Legacy**: Rodin's impact on sculpture is immeasurable. He is considered a pioneer of modern sculpture, and his innovative techniques influenced subsequent generations of artists. His emphasis on expressing the vitality and emotions of the human form contributed to the evolution of sculpture as an art form.
Measures 9.8 inches.
Resin.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.