DETROIT, MI.-The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is the only U.S. venue for the international exhibition Camille Claudel and Rodin: Fateful Encounter, on view through Feb. 5, 2006. Fateful Encounter provides the first side-by-side comparison in America of the art of Camille Claudel (1864–1943) and Auguste Rodin (1840–1917), whose remarkable sculptures helped shape the artistic legacy of turn-of-the-century Paris.Claudel and Rodin shared a passionate personal and professional relationship from the early 1880s to the late 1890s, during which they inspired and influenced each other’s work. Fifty-eight sculptures by Rodin and 62 by Claudel illustrate the exceptional dialogue between the sculptors over the years and how their love was a source of inspiration for both. Rare photographs, drawings, and letters provide further personal and artistic context to this fascinating story.
Camille Claudel and Rodin: Fateful Encounter is organized into three broad sections: Rodin’s and Claudel’s art prior to their meeting; work produced during their initially happy, then later stormy relationship; and each one’s sculptures after their breakup. The exhibition also highlights some of Rodin’s most renowned late masterworks, including Balzac, The Burghers of Calais, and The Thinker, through studies in a range of media developed over many years.
A Tale of Two Artists - At the height of his career, Rodin was regarded in Europe and America as the greatest sculptor since Michelangelo. His dramatic figures, often raw with emotion, pioneered modern sculpture with their emphasis on movement, expression and the evocation of the soul. Rodin was 41-years-old and on the verge of critical and commercial success when he met the 17-year-old Claudel in 1882. Claudel showed early promise as a sculptor, and Rodin, struck by both her talent and her beauty, hired her as his assistant to work on his first major state commission, The Gates of Hell. A determined, ambitious young woman, Claudel was driven to learn everything she could from Rodin, whom she considered a genius.
During long hours spent working together in Rodin’s studio, the artists developed an affection for each other that soon led to an intense love affair, fueled by their common passion for sculpture. Their work during these happy times reflects the inspiration derived from their mutual admiration and love, feelings that would influence their art throughout their careers. While the influence lasted, their relationship did not, and by the early 1890s, both their personal and professional relationship began to dissolve.
Several factors contributed to the deterioration of Rodin and Claudel’s relationship. Rodin was enjoying worldwide critical success, and his reputation, along with his powerful connections in the art world, made him an influential figure—one who could help make or break other artists’ careers. Regarding Claudel’s works, critics often referred to her as Rodin’s student, and constantly compared her sculptures to Rodin’s, as if her talent derived mostly from her ability to imitate her teacher. Claudel resented these associations, and began to resent Rodin as well. She purposefully distanced herself from Rodin in her determination to establish herself as an artist in her own right. Added to this resentment were Claudel’s frustration at having to endure the prejudice against women artists—especially women sculptors—and the resultant lack of educational and professional opportunities.
Yet another obstacle to the romance was Rodin’s relationship with his long-time companion and former model Rose Beuret. Although deeply in love with Claudel, Rodin would not leave Beuret, whom he had lived with for almost 25 years. Rodin’s failure to leave Beuret became intolerable to Claudel. Her jealousy over this situation, along with her continued resentment and frustration, caused her to break with Rodin for good.
After their breakup, their lives took very different paths. Rodin’s career soared. Critics confirmed him as “the most famous artist in the world,” and he was frequently referred to as the greatest sculptor since Michelangelo. Rodin continued to approach collectors, journalists and government officials to recommend Claudel’s work, and also helped support her financially. Claudel, on the other hand, withdrew into solitude. Her incessant struggle to separate herself artistically from Rodin, along with her bitter resentment over his relationship with Beuret took a toll on her mental state. While she continued to create sculptures, many based on themes that emerged during her relationship with Rodin, her career, as well as her mental health, steeply declined. She was committed to a mental institution by her family in 1913, where she spent the remaining 30 years of her life.
