Verdex
Verdex
8 March 2023, 06:48

From love to madness: Rodin's student Camille Claudel and her work

From love to madness: Rodin's student Camille Claudel and her work
In the middle of the 19th century in France, it was not easy for a woman to become a sculptor. And yet, against all odds, Camille Claudel challenged society in order to eventually leave a mark on the history of art. Since the prestigious schools of fine arts were closed to women, Claudel studied at the private school Colarossi Academy, which was an alternative to conservative schools.
In 1883, the 19-year-old artist met Auguste Rodin, an innovator and founder of modern sculpture, whose work often caused scandals. He taught sculpture, and Claudel and other students helped him in the studio. She spent a lot of time working out rather complex details for monumental works. She began exhibiting her own sculptures in the 1880s, mostly busts of people close to her.
In the course of creative collaboration between Rodin and Claudel, a love affair arose, ending in a painful break. And although after parting they kept in touch for some time, the last point in this relationship was put by Claudel's sculpture “The Age of Maturity” (see below). This work angered Rodin, and he stopped providing the artist with all support. Perhaps the work turned out to be too personal and greatly offended the master.
For the next few years, Claudel continued to create, at the same time her mental health deteriorated markedly. She destroyed some of her works, disappeared from the sight of her relatives for a long time and tried to convince others that Rodin was planning to kill her. As a result, Claudel ended up in a psychiatric hospital, where she stayed for 30 years - the rest of her life.
In total, about 90 sculptures have survived, as well as sketches and drawings by Claudel. Some of them are now on display at the Musée Rodin in France.

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