What happened to Auguste Rodin

 A Story of Triumph and Tragedy

Auguste Rodin, one of the most influential sculptors in history, lived a life filled with artistic triumphs but also profound personal challenges. Born in Paris on November 12, 1840, Rodin’s journey was anything but smooth. His story is a blend of brilliance, controversy, love, loss, and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire the art world today. Here, we explore the poignant and intriguing tale of what happened to Rodin, a man who reshaped the landscape of sculpture.

Rodin grew up in a modest family, with his father working as a police clerk. Despite his early interest in art, Rodin faced significant obstacles. His poor eyesight affected his studies, and he struggled academically, failing to gain admission to the prestigious École des Beaux Arts after three attempts. These early rejections were devastating, but they also fueled his determination to succeed.

To make ends meet, Rodin took up various jobs as a craftsman and decorator, carving ornamental designs. These experiences honed his skills but kept him away from his true passion, sculpture. It wasn’t until his late 30s that Rodin’s artistic breakthrough came, proving that perseverance often precedes greatness.

In 1877, Rodin created The Age of Bronze, a lifelike sculpture that stunned the art world. The work was so realistic that critics accused him of casting it directly from a model, a scandal that both tarnished and elevated his reputation. Despite the controversy, the piece marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his innovative approach to form and movement.

Rodin’s style broke away from the rigid academic traditions of his time. He sought to capture raw emotion and the complexity of human experience. His works, such as The Thinker and The Kiss, were characterized by their dynamic poses and textured surfaces, redefining what sculpture could achieve.

In the early 1880s, Camille Claudel, then a young and ambitious artist, became a student and assistant to Auguste Rodin, who was already an established sculptor. Claudel quickly proved to be extraordinarily talented, and Rodin recognized her artistic brilliance. The two began a romantic and professional partnership, collaborating on several works and influencing each other’s art. Claudel played a significant role in some of Rodin’s major projects, including parts of The Gates of Hell.

Camille Claudel

Their relationship was intense but marked by power imbalances. Claudel, over 20 years younger than Rodin, initially looked up to him as a mentor. However, as their romantic involvement deepened, tensions arose. Rodin refused to leave his long-term partner, Rose Beuret, to whom he had a lifelong commitment, despite his love for Claudel. This caused Camille great emotional pain and frustration.

Rodin’s greater fame also overshadowed Claudel’s artistic achievements. Many of her works were dismissed or attributed to Rodin, further fueling her feelings of betrayal and neglect.

Claudel’s Struggles

Claudel eventually broke off her relationship with Rodin in the early 1890s to establish her own identity and career. However, the separation left her emotionally devastated. She faced significant challenges as a woman artist in a male dominated field and struggled to gain recognition for her work. Financial instability and professional isolation exacerbated her hardships.

By 1905, Claudel began exhibiting signs of mental illness, becoming paranoid and reclusive. She accused Rodin and others of conspiring against her, destroying many of her own sculptures in fits of despair.

In 1913, Claudel’s family, particularly her brother Paul Claudel, committed her to a mental asylum, where she remained for the rest of her life, nearly 30 years. Rodin, although deeply affected by her decline, did not intervene. He continued to express admiration for her talent, but their connection was irreparably severed.

Rodin’s later years were marked by professional triumph and personal reflection. He married Rose Beuret shortly before her death in 1917, a few months before his own passing. Despite his success, Rodin carried a reputation for being self absorbed in his career, which may have contributed to the tragic trajectory of his relationship with Claudel.

The relationship between Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel was complex, passionate, and ultimately tragic. Rodin, a renowned sculptor, and Claudel, a brilliant sculptor in her own right, shared a deep artistic connection and a tumultuous personal relationship.

Rodin’s career was not without its challenges. His ambitious projects, like The Gates of Hell, were often criticized for their unconventional approach. The piece, which took decades to complete, was initially commissioned as a decorative entrance for a museum that was never built. Though incomplete at his death, The Gates of Hell became one of his most iconic works, featuring a collection of haunting and evocative sculptures, including The Thinker.

Another controversial work was the Monument to Balzac. Critics derided the piece for its abstract and unconventional depiction of the French writer. Rodin’s departure from traditional realism was met with scorn, yet today, the sculpture is hailed as a masterpiece of modern art.

Despite the controversies, Rodin achieved immense fame and recognition in his later years. By the early 20th century, he was celebrated as one of the greatest sculptors of his time. His studio became a hub for artists, intellectuals, and admirers, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

However, fame came at a cost. Rodin grew increasingly isolated, haunted by the losses he had experienced. His long-time partner, Rose Beuret, stood by him through the years, and the two married in 1917, just weeks before her death. Rodin himself passed away on November 17, 1917, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work.

Rodin’s influence on modern art is immeasurable. His ability to convey emotion, movement, and humanity in sculpture paved the way for countless artists. The Rodin Museum in Paris, established after his death, houses many of his works, ensuring his legacy endures.

Today, Rodin’s story is one of resilience and innovation. Despite personal and professional challenges, he remained true to his vision, transforming the art world forever. Yet, his life serves as a reminder of the costs of genius and the complex interplay between art, love, and human frailty.