Thursday, April 5, 2012

Rodin-Master of Bronze

For the last decades of the 19th and first decades of the 20th centuries, Auguste Rodin was the master of the "Modern' Bronze.  His museum is based on his former home and gardens across the boulevard from the Hotel Invalides.  Even by a major street the gardens are quiet, clean and restful. Here Therri stands in front of a reflecting pool surrounded by samples of Rodin's avaunt-guard statues.
His most famous piece is probably the Thinker,this was based on a smaller version the he planned for the center of his massive Gates of Hell doorway.
Balzac clearly demonstrates his new style verses the traditional realist pieces the 19th century is known for, see the d'Orsay post for clear examples of the "traditional" style.
High walls, tall trees and a bronze to contemplate-the perfect setting.
His gardens include a forested area as well as traditional sections for flowers and shrubs.
The size of the gardens and his home would seem to say he was very successful . Unfortunately photos are not allowed inside his mansion which is filled with smaller works as well as some excellent 19th century paintings.
Quiet walks thread themselves throughout his gardens.
Aah, number one of a set of four...now I get to search for the other three.

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