AUGUSTE RODIN (1840-1917)Auguste Rodin (born François-Auguste-René Rodin; 12 November1840 – 17 November 1917) was aFrench sculptor. Rodin was born inParis. He made solid objects fromstone or clay. His most famous worksare 'The Thinker' and 'The Kiss'.A l t h o u g h R o d i n i s g e n e r a l l yconsidered the start of modernsculpture,[1] he did not set out to rebelagainst the past. His training was old-school. He took a craftsman-likeapproach to his work,[2] but he wasrejected three times to Paris'sforemost school of art.Rodin had a unique ability to model acomplex, turbulent, deeply pocketedsurface in clay. Many of his mostnotable sculptures were roundlycriticized during his lifetime. Theyclashed with the sculpture tradition, inwhich works were decorative, formulaic,or highly thematic.Rodin's most original work departed from traditional themes of mythology and allegory.He modelled the human body with realism, with individual character and physicality.Rodin refused to change his style. Gradually there came increasing favour from thegovernment and the artistic community.His statue of writer Honoré de Balzac for the Société des Gens des Lettres was heavilycriticised. Rather than try to convince skeptics of its merit, Rodin repaid the Société hiscommission and moved the figure to his own garden. After this experience, Rodin did notcomplete another public commission. Only in 1939 was Monument to Balzac cast inbronze. It is now thought to be a masterpiece.Rodin's reputation grew, and he became the top French sculptor of his time. By 1900, hewas a world-renowned artist. Rich private clients sought Rodin's work after his 1900World's Fair exhibit. For example, a Japanese patron, Matsukata Kojiro, paid for some ofRodin's best castings, including "The Gates of Hell."Rodin kept company with a variety of high-profile intellectuals and artists. He married hislifelong companion, Rose Beuret, in the last year of both their lives.