Auguste Rodin

sculpture · French art · genius · human emotion

The Thinker. One of Rodin's most famous sculptures shows a man sitting and thinking deeply. It's so popular that copies of it appear in museums and gardens all around the world.

Bumpy, expressive surfaces. Instead of making smooth, perfect sculptures like older artists did, Rodin left rough textures and deep shadows in his work. This made his sculptures feel alive and full of feeling.

The Gates of Hell. Rodin spent decades creating an enormous bronze door covered with hundreds of figures telling stories from Dante's poem. It was so ambitious that he never finished it during his lifetime.

Captured real moments. His sculpture called The Kiss shows two people embracing with tenderness and passion. Rodin believed sculptures should show real human emotions, not just look perfect.

Changed sculpture forever. Before Rodin, sculptures were usually formal and polished. He proved that art could be rough, emotional, and imperfect, which inspired artists everywhere to create in totally new ways.