Auguste Rodin

Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) was the foremost sculptor of the nineteenth century, creating such iconic, profoundly expressive works as The Kiss, The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. In this engaging monograph Jane Mayo Roos gives an informative overview of the life and works of Rodin, and treats all his major works in their biographical, social and historical context.

From his early sculptures made during his pursuit of recognition by the arts establishment to his high-profile portraits and public commissions, numerous illustrations present Rodin's works in situ and in detail. They are accompanied by drawings and contemporary photographs of maquettes and of the artist with his work. The greatest sculptures, including The Burghers of Calais and portraits of Victor Hugo and Honore de Balzac are thoroughly examined through accounts of their commission, design and making.

A highly readable introduction that will also appeal to specialists for its breadth and insights, and provides an enlightening profile of this passionate artist.

Jane Mayo Roos is an award-winning scholar who has published and lectured widely on the sculpture of Auguste Rodin. Having received her doctorate from Columbia University, she has been a Professor of Art History at Hunter College in New York City and a Visiting Lecturer in Christie's Graduate Program in Connoisseurship. Her published works include Rodin's Monument to Victor Hugo (1998), as well as books and essays on Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Camille Claudel, and Stephane Mallarme.