Monday, September 9, 2013

Rodin Museum in Paris

     Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) was a French sculptor who initiated modern artwork.  Unlike other sculptors at his time, Rodin strayed from decorative or thematic works and focused more on realism and the character of the model.  Near the end of his lifetime, Rodin used the Hotel Biron as his workshop, and upon his death, Rodin's works and paintings (Monet, Renoir, van Gogh) that he had acquired over the years were donated to the French State on the condition that his workshop and surrounding grounds would become the displaying museum.  In contrast to other museums, the Musee Rodin has tasefully placed Rodin's sculptures throughout the gardens making the viewing warmer and more enjoyable than being in a white-walled room.  We spent some time walking through the gardens and his workshop.
The Kiss, highly controversial at the time since the female was placed at the same height as the male.  Hello birth of feminism.
The Three Shades......not to be confused with a huddle or fifty shades.
A romantic shot in front of the Gates of Hell (sculpted after a scene in Dante's "Inferno").
Hold that just a little longer......
Call Me Maybe?  Rodin was way ahead of his time.
Cheese.  (Queso).
A stroll through the garden.
The Thinker.
Two thinkers.
I don't think he is thinking and therefore, not a thinker.
A couple.
Another couple.  Do I smell the roses?
The Hotel Biron, Rodin's former workshop and showroom.