Auguste Rodin: Drawings & Watercolors [Hardcover]

Antoinette Le Normand-Romain (Author), Christina Buley-Uribe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 9, 2007

"I have drawn all my life. I began withdrawing: I have never stopped drawing."—Auguste Rodin

From the "black" drawings contemporaneous with the Gates of Hell to his great watercolor nudes, this book reproduces hundreds of Auguste Rodin's most beautiful graphic works held in the collection of the Musée Rodin, a number of which are published here for the first time. The accompanying essays analyze the complex relationships between Rodin's drawings and his sculptures, the problems of attribution, and the role of sensuality in his work.

Rodin's rich graphic oeuvre has until now been a little-known aspect of his art, yet it is crucial to a full understanding of his work. This book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the great sculptor's achievements. 372 illustrations in color and black-and-white

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The authors of this hefty volume present several hundred illustrations selected from the thousands of drawings and watercolors by Rodin (1840–1917) housed in Paris's Musée Rodin. In the brief but incisive text, Le Normand-Romain, who was in charge of sculpture at the museum, traces the artist's development as a sculptor and discusses his early drawings, especially the figural studies in black ink for his monumental door, The Gates of Hell. Buley-Uribe, in charge of graphic works at the museum, covers the enormous output of drawings and watercolors, most of them depicting nudes and dancers, that Rodin produced during the rest of his life. She shows how these were influenced by the art of ancient Egypt and Greece as well as by Rodin's observations of Japanese theater and Javanese and Cambodian dancers, and she describes the wide range of materials and techniques he used as he experimented with various media. Unfortunately, the text, which is essential for understanding these works, is printed so lightly and in such small type that it is hard to read. Otherwise, this is a handsome book in which well-reproduced color illustrations underscore the genius of an artist whose remarkable drawings and watercolors, often shocking for their eroticism, deserve to be better known. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"I have drawn all my life. I began with drawing: I have never stopped drawings." -- Auguste Rodin

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 440 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (April 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500238359
• ISBN-13: 978-0500238356
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 1.7 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #432,234 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The "Other" Rodin - Drawings and Watercolors October 3, 2007

By G. Chamberlin

Format:Hardcover

Though most readers already may be familiar with Rodin's sculpture, they won't want to miss the gorgeous full page reproductions of hundreds of the artist's watercolors and line drawings. The wide ranging portfolio - in terms of color, shape, texture - is sure to impress. The book itself is of very high quality and the reproductions are excellent. The editors have added a helpful and interesting discussion of this aspect of Rodin's work that will enhance your enjoyment of these drawings.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great buy April 13, 2009

By K. Petrie

Format:Hardcover

This book is certainly a treat for anyone who appreciates Rodin's work. Rodin's drawings are truly unique, and are well reproduced in this book. I would also recommend the Klimt and Schiele collections by this publisher as well.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars auguste rodin: watercolours and drawings August 23, 2009

By Barbara

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Love the book, something I have been waiting for for years since most focus on his sculptures. I gave it a four rating only because I would have liked a larger format. The roughly 9.5" X 6" doesn't open flat and also it would have been nice to have larger sized reproductions. I was aware of the size and liked it anyway since it is certainly a good price for the number of illustrations. Definitely worth buying.