The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art {May 13, 2013}

RODIN ... 

Sculptures from the Iris and B Gerald CANTOR FOUNDATION


Rozzelle Balcony | FREE

Auguste Rodin (French, 1840-1917) was one of the most influential sculptors of the 19th century. His innovative modeling technique and unconventional, often provocative subject matter earned him praise as the greatest sculptor since Michelangelo. Going against academic tradition, Rodin created highly expressive sculptures of the human body in his quest to convey such universal emotions as love, longing, reverie and despair.

This exhibition brings together magnificent Rodin bronzes from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, which aims to promote understanding and appreciation of the artist’s achievements.

The sculptures are divided into three thematic groups:  The Gates of Hell section, which contains figures relating to the massive bronze portal that was Rodin’s most important commission; a group dedicated to the statues of historical and cultural heroes commissioned as public monuments; and a series of isolated hands that strive to express different states of being.

In addition to highlighting Rodin’s unrivaled capacity to capture the human spirit in all its nuances, the exhibition will also bring to light his pioneering studio practices. Working in plaster and wax, Rodin created models that he would fragment, multiply, recombine, enlarge and reduce. This unorthodox working method allowed the artist to produce a startling range of sculptural effects, examples of which are on display.

This exhibition is supported by the Donald J. Hall Initiative.

Stygiophobia ... Dante and Rodin!

Both create the "Gates of Hell". If you suffer from Stygiophobia or Stigiophobia or Hadephobia, you may want to avoid reading Dante's Inferno or skip viewing the reproduction of Rodin's monumental door depicting the suffering souls of Dante's hell.

Rodin's sculptures at the Nelson-Atkins Museum brings Dante's "Divine Comedy" to the forefront of our imaginations ! The Rodin Exhibit at the Nelson runs from October 2011 through June 3, 2012 in the Bloch Lobby at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.