Fateful Encounter
Sculpturally, Rodin possessed a unique ability to model a complex, turbulent, deeply pocketed surface in clay. They clashed with the predominant figure sculpture tradition, in which works were decorative, formulaic, or highly thematic. Rodin's most original work departed from traditional themes of mythology and allegory, modeled the human body with realism, and celebrated individual character and physicality. Rodin was sensitive to the controversy surrounding his work, but refused to change his stele. Successive works brought increasing favor from the government and the artistic community.
Camille Claudel, no other woman had such an intellectual, artistic and erotic impact on Rodin's life like Camille Claudel. Soon after Rodin met her in a sculpture class, previously supervised by his colleague Boucher, Camille became his pupil, model, assistant and lover. During a decade, she helped Rodin create the Gates of Hell and the Burghers of Calais and also released a number of works in her own right.
Close up views below.
