Rodin

What has always fascinated me both in paintings and in sculpture is creating the effect of layering while in reality only working with one layer of material. I first encountered this while looking at Greek and Roman sculptures, normally of gods. The subjects would wear togas and the folds of fabric appeared loose and "fell" naturally. In class now, we come across a similar technique, this time in a work by French Impressionist, Auguste Rodin. In their physical appearance, Rodin's subjects in The Burghers of Calais appear to be similar to the traditional Greek statues. [With the exception of Rodin's sculptures generally being made out of clay instead of marble] However, upon further inspection once will find that Rodin's figures are much less in the light of perfection. Rodin rather, emphasizes the natural imperfection and curvature of the human figure. Additionally, his sculptures appear stark and emotional rather than the stoic nature of traditional Greek and Roman statues. For example, Augustus is seen as being a work that displays the perfect male form. For Rodin though, the perfect form was boring and the rougher parts of life and the human emotion and condition were what was worthy of art.

Greek Augustus

The Burghers of Calais

The passion that is displayed in his art is explicitly shown in the movie Camille Claudel. It is a French Film which depicts the relationship between Rodin and his long term misstress and fellow sculptor. Although the movie is old and in French, I believe that it enhances the viewing of Rodin's work. By seeing the passion and turmoil that leads to his creations, and hers, the viewer not only gains an understanding of Rodin, but Impressionists in general. This understanding is undeniably an aspect which bona fies  Rodin's work as true art.