From Library Journal
Published in conjunction with a 1991-92 German exhibition, this volume focuses on erotic motifs in the sculpture and drawings of Rodin (1840-1917). Eight European and American authors consider various aspects of this lifelong undercurrent in Rodin's artistic and personal activities, including his relationship with Camille Claudel (subject of a recent film and exhibition in her own right). The plates are of good quality. A worthwhile addition to the extensive Rodin bibliography, providing historical perspective on the current debate about objectionable art and multiple illuminations of an essential element in a great sculptor's art.- Jack Perry Brown, Art Inst. of Chicago Lib.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), whose status as the greatest sculptor of the late nineteenth century is undisputed, belongs among the few artists whose fame is based equally upon public and critical acclaim. Rodin's espousal of the erotic, his depiction of it in a bewildering variety of manifestations, is the leitmotiv that unites his vast oeuvre of sculptures and drawings. Woman's sexuality appears in Rodin's work as both threat and challenge, but also as the source of all creative inspiration and passion. Selected sculptures have been rephotographed specially for this book. Superbly reproduced, and supplemented by color illustrations of some of the artist's late drawings - many of them published here for the first time - they constitute a fascinating visual essay on the theme of the erotic in Rodin's work. Exploring the ramifications of eros in Rodin's sculpture and drawing, wide-ranging essays address such topics as the nature of the fragment and its role in Rodin's work, the artist's relationship to the model, his religiosity, and his influence both on his contemporaries and on artists throughout the twentieth century. In word and image, this volume offers fresh insight into the work of a man who, perhaps more than any other visual artist, embodied Baudelaire's and Nietzche's concept of the modern genius as one whose stature is based on a combination of inventiveness, passion, and disturbing originality.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

From the Publisher
More than 350 superbly reproduced images of selected sculptures and late drawings by Rodin document his obsession with sexuality, revealing the countless ways he depicted the subject: as a threat and challenge, but also as the source of all creative inspiration and passion. Augmenting these illustrations, ten essays by leading scholars explore the ramifications of Eros in Rodin’s work, including such topics as the nature of the fragment, Rodin’s relationship to the model, his religiosity, and his influence on his contemporaries as well as on future artists. In word and image, this volume deepens our understanding of the nineteenth century’s premier sculptor.

About the Author
Rainer Crone is Professor of 20th Century Art at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Munich, Germany and Adjunct Professor of Art History at Columbia University. His publications include Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, and Paul Klee: Legends of the Sign. Siegfried Salzmann, Director of the Kunsthalle in Bremen, Germany, has written extensively on 20th-century sculpture, including studies of Brancusi, Giacometti, and Wilhelm Lehmbruck.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

August Rodin (1840-1917), whose status as the greatest sculptor of the late nineteenth century is undisputed, belongs among the few artists whose fame is based equally upon public and critical acclaim. Woman's sexuality appears in Rodin's work as both a threat and challenge, but also as the source of all creative inspiration and passion.

In word and image, this volume offers fresh insight into the work of a man who, perhaps more than any other visual artist, embodied Baudelaire's and Nietzche's concept of the modern genius as one whose stature is based on a combination of inventiveness, passion, and disturbing originality.

SYNOPSIS

This classic exploration of erotic themes in Rodin￯﾿ﾽs sculptures and drawings offers stunning visual and textual insight into the artist￯﾿ﾽs work and ideas.

More than 350 superbly reproduced images of selected sculptures and late drawings by Rodin document his obsession with sexuality, revealing the countless ways he depicted the subject: as a threat and challenge, but also as the source of all creative inspiration and passion. Augmenting these illustrations, ten essays by leading scholars explore the ramifications of Eros in Rodin￯﾿ﾽs work, including such topics as the nature of the fragment, Rodin￯﾿ﾽs relationship to the model, his religiosity, and his influence on his contemporaries as well as on future artists. In word and image, this volume deepens our understanding of the nineteenth century￯﾿ﾽs premier sculptor.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal