The Making of Rodin

Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) was a radical innovator whose approach to sculpture-making provided a definitive break in the history of Western sculpture. Although much of his commercial success was based on the bronze and marble versions of his work, Rodin's greatest talent was as a modeller who captured movement, emotion, light and volume in clay and plaster, to challenge idealised conceptions of beauty and perfection. Focusing on his work in plaster, this book explores the artist's interest in creating sculptures that are never completed, always becoming. United by their materiality, fragile, experimental and unique pieces are presented alongside new readings of some of Rodin's iconic works, and a selection of his watercolour drawings. Including an exclusive contribution from sculptor Phyllida Barlow, The Making of Rodin sheds light on the artist's use of materials, his unique way of working, and his imaginative use of photography, revealing how Rodin reinvented sculpture for the modern age - and why his work continues to enthral and provoke to this day.