Musee Rodin is located in an elegant eighteen century
mansion surrounded by a beautiful garden. The mansion, which is owned by
the French government, was Rodin's studio from 1910 until his death in
1917. In return for being allowed to use this house Rodin left all his
work to the state upon his death. Some of his most famous sculptures are
on display in the garden: The Burghers of Calais, The Thinker, The Gates
of Hell and Balzac. The indoor exhibits include numerous works, marble
sculptures, plaster casts, reproductions, originals and sketches, all
giving a sense of why Rodin is considered the father of the modern
sculpture. The works have a certain fluidity, they appear to be emerging
from marble into life. Particulary beautiful is his renowed "The Kiss"
(which appears in the picture) and people will form a big crowd around it.
One room inside the museum is devoted to Camille Claudel, Rodin's pupil,
model and mistress. Her sculptures I believe display a touching delicacy
which makes them look fragile and beautiful. Behind the mansion there is
a rose garden, and an alley which winds its way around a pond, making this
museum one of the most idyllic spots in Paris (Well, we were there
off-season; maybe during the peak tourist season this place is not so
quiet, but I hope that it retains its beauty even with the crowds). Address:
77, rue de Varenne 75007.
