Auguste Rodin: Images of Desire : Erotic Watercolors and Cut-Outs - Softcover

Bonnet, Anne-Marie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3888149401 ISBN 13: 9783888149405

Publisher: Schirmer/Mosel Verlag Gmbh, 2002

Synopsis

In the twilight of his career, when he had already established his eminence as a sculptor, Auguste Rodin turned almost obsessively to sketching the female form. These drawings were produced quickly, with the artists’ eyes following his models’ every move, his pen or pencil in constant contact with the paper. Rodin referred to these quickly executed sketches as his "one-minute drawings," and he produced literally thousands of them in various media: India ink, gouache, watercolor, charcoal and pencil. This elegant volume includes over 100 drawings and cutouts beautifully reproduced in the warm and subtle tones of the original.

The female form was vital to Rodin’s development as an artist and his interest in nudes resulted in works that veer distinctly away from the classic definition of the genre or from any idealized form. What Rodin was pursuing instead was the naturalness of the naked state, its lines and movement, its beauty and simplicity. Needless to say, these non-traditional poses were met with great trepidation even among his admirers, and caused a scandal during a 1906 exhibition. At the turn of the century sketches were viewed mainly as preparatory work, but Rodin’s drawings brought the genre to a new level. At once immediate and enduring, they provide a supremely intimate glimpse into his creative process and a window into his own soulful worship of the human body in motion.

About this title

From the Publisher:

· Over 100 drawings and cutouts

· Rodin shows the female nude form in its beauty and simplicity

· Wonderful collection of Rodin’s late work

About the Author:

Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) is one of France’s most revered artists. His works are distinguished by their stunning strength and realism. He was strongly influenced by the works of Michelangelo, and his pursuit of realism resulted in accusations that he had used a live model as a cast for his sculpture, The Age of Bronze. Among his most famous works are his monuments The Burghers of Calais, his statues St. John the Baptist Preaching, Eve, The Thinker, and The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. In 1916 Rodin donated his entire estate to the French government stipulating that they establish a permanent museum dedicated to his work. The Musee Rodin is located in the Rodin’s Paris home, and the works still displayed in their original settings.

About this edition

• Publisher: Schirmer/Mosel Verlag Gmbh
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 3888149401
• ISBN 13: 9783888149405
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160