Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin continues to be recognized as the originator of modern sculpture. In 1864, he entered the studio of Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, a successful producer of objets d’art. He accompanied Carrier-Belleuse to Belgium, where they created ornamentation for the Brussels’ bourse. After years of collaboration, the two men parted ways. For two months in 1875, Rodin visited Italy, where he was profoundly influenced by the work of Donatello and Michelangelo. In 1880 , Carrier-Belleuse—by then art director of the Sèvres national porcelain factory—offered Rodin a part-time position as a designer. Rodin accepted and created bas relief designs for several vase models while continuing his monumental work in private. His sculpture shown at the 1900 Exposition Universelle made him an international celebrity. Wealthy clients sought his work, and the inner circle of modern intellectuals and artists accepted him as their equal.
