Musee Rodin

Like most museums in Paris, the building of Musee Rodin was originally built to function as a small mansion and was eventually converted into what we use it for today. It is now a museum dedicated to the work of famous sculptor, Auguste Rodin. Rodin is most well-known for his works "The Gates of Hell" and "The Thinker."

The hotel particulier (small mansion) turned museum

His most famous work of art, "The Gates of Hell," is an amazing collage of mayhem. It conveys disorder and complexity in a very fascinating way. It is also an important piece because of its influence on Rodin's subsequent works. Many of the components in the Gates have gone on to become sculptures on their own.

"The Gates of Hell"

 

Rodin used casting and enlarging techniques to make different sized replicas of his own works.

Look closely at the three figures on top.

Look familiar? "Trois ombres" was later enlarged into this monumental piece.

His other most famous piece "The Thinker" was also created in this way. It's surprising how much more of an impact the sculpture makes due to its change in size.

The gardens of the estate were my favorite part. Filled with beautiful flowers and amazing sculptures, what's not to love? Although the museum itself inside was interesting as well. Not only did it contain many different models of Rodin's works in various stages of completion, but it also displayed some of the paintings and sculptures of Rodin's good friends - artists such as Van Gogh and Monet.

view of the garden

 

For those interested in Rodin, check out the museum's website. It has information on a lot of the works on display there, as well as a more in-depth background of the artist. http://www.musee-rodin.fr/en

A bientot!