Musée Rodin
Sculpture can be a sweet, slow, sexy seduction.
A good sculpture can grab my attention, render me speechless, transport me to another world, as I block out everything around me.
Following the curve of a hip, a slender long finger, a muscular body, the nuances, as I follow the lines and folds of fabric, made from a harsh element but depicting such beauty and grace.
It always amazes me how this can be made possible.
How can such a harsh material, transform into a warm, lush, soft sensuous work of art. Tricking the eye and senses, believing this cold piece of marble or metal, gently liquifies and flows into a beautiful flowing piece.
The subtle creases of smile lines, plump lush folds of a satin dress, angular jaw lines, definition of arm muscles, women’s delicate wrists and soft fleshy abdomens.
This combination of harsh materials manipulated to represent, gentle delicate lines, the exquisite attention to detail is something that has always fascinated me about sculpture and the art form that Rodin conquered.
I guess it comes as no surprise that Musée Rodin is on my list of favourite museums in Paris.
Sculpture may not be your thing, however, the magnificent mansion exhibits not only sculpture and the process in which it is created but also photographs, paintings, drawings, moulds, ceramics and prints.
I think it would be pretty safe to assume, that almost everybody knows at least two of his creations; The Kiss and The Thinker.
Growing up in the poorer, working class district, of what is now the 5th arrondissement a young 14 year old Rodin, persuaded his father to allow him to attend the école Impériale Spéciale de Dessin et de Mathématiques, known for training in the decorative arts.
Through hard work, artistic talent and perseverance this artist, is now regarded as one of the greatest sculptors of his time.
Four Euros will allow you to see The Thinker, sitting high on his pedestal … thinking, in the beautiful gardens that surround the museum but why not see the entire museum.
In 1919, two years after Rodin’s death, Hôtel Biron opened it’s doors to display the works of art of Auguste Rodin and become, the Rodin Museum.
The mansion and former home of the artist, has an equally rich and inspiring history as Monsieur Auguste Rodin himself.
Being one of the founders of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, he taught Antoine Bourdelle.
Bourdelle’s bust of Gustav Eiffel can been seen under the Eiffel Tower.
He also rubbed shoulders with the likes of Monet and Cézanne.
A great and interesting man, the Museums website, documents the story of his wonderful, rich life, in chronological order.
Who knows, perhaps after a visit, to Musée Rodin, you too, may be seduced and discover your favourite Rodin, and if you are already a fan; this wonderful newly renovated museum will be a pure joy.
Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
75007 Paris
01 44 18 61 10 Closest Metros: Varenne or Invalides Opening Times Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5.45
Closed Mondays
1st January, 1st May, 25th December Open Late Wednesday – 8.45pm Entry €10.00 Visit Garden Only €4.00 Free to under 18 Audio Guides €6.00 Café on site.
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