Eternelle idole auguste rodin biography

The group 'Eternal Idol' was first seen in Rodin's studio around 1891. An early illustration is found in Léon Maillard's article 'Auguste Rodin statuaire' of 1889.

The sculpture shows a kneeling man leaning his chest against a woman depicted in an elevated position.

Judith Cladel quotes an anecdote provided by Jules Desbois, who related how Rodin once lovingly kissed one of his models on her bare belly - 'Eternal Idol' seems to reflect this affectionate gesture.

The same mixture of worship and intimacy can be found in 'Pygmalion and Galatea', which also portrays the male figure in a lower position looking up to his beloved.

Auguste rodin gates of hell

There is also a striking ressemblance to 'Sakountala'* created by Camille Claudel as early as 1887/88 ; probably, Rodin was inspired by this work of his younger colleague and lover. At the same time, the motif of both works seems to reflect an important aspect of the passionate relationship between the sculptor and his talented pupil.

Contemporaries like the