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Michele Du's avatar

I’ve seen works of Rodin,as we walked the paths,wet with rain. I’ve never heard this spellbinding tale. I can’t wait for more!

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René Volpi's avatar

Did you go to his museum? Believe it or not, i haven't. My life has been a waste. :(

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Michele Du's avatar

Yes, I’ve been through there, trudging through the mud. Nah, you can go, again, anytime!

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Lia's avatar

Why a "lust story"? Sounds like they were both in love. Looking forward to Part 2!

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René Volpi's avatar

She wasn't. She was just star-struck. Also, she was quite young at the time.

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Janette Parr Consulting's avatar

Musée Rodin is a ‘must’. There are lots of Claudel’s pieces there.

Also the 1988 film ‘Camille Claudel’ is a much better account of her life and her relationship with Rodin than the 2017 film ‘Rodin’.

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René Volpi's avatar

Which one is the one with Depardieu and Adjani? I've seen it long ago but I'd like to see it again.

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Janette Parr Consulting's avatar

That’s the earlier one. The 2017 one has Vincent Lindon as Rodin.

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René Volpi's avatar

Yes, the earlier one is far better. The actors made the whole difference as well.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

At Stanford, there is a garden w/Rodin art. It's mesmerizing, of course.

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René Volpi's avatar

Oh, nice! I'll check it out online. Thank you, Jeanine!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

It's pretty cool. The Gates of Hell is there too, but just googled it--it's not the first bronze cast. But still-- it was pretty impressive!

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René Volpi's avatar

I bet. How big is it? More or less.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

I assume it's to size, as it's not the first bronze cast, but one of them.. It showed Stanford students cleaning the statues--so many and so big-- and the Gates were several feet taller than the ladder. It's actually a rather foreboding sight. I was surprised they had it in the sculpture garden, but the garden is chock full of Rodin! I believe they have a bronze of The Thinker, too. All gifted by a huge benefactor and art collector.

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René Volpi's avatar

Yes, her body of work is vast as she made different versions of several pieces. According to history, she also destroyed several during a rage against Rodin. They had a tumultuous relationship but it affected her more than it affected him. I'll explore the dynamics in the next chapter.

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rena's avatar

Fascinating

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Bea's avatar

What a fascinating back story. For me, knowing about great artists’ personal lives adds a whole new dimension - to understanding and appreciating their work. Excellent information here 👀😎🌟

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René Volpi's avatar

That was my intention. Wonderful comment and i thank you.

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Perry J. Greenbaum 🇨🇦 🦜's avatar

Like many talented artists, Camille Claudel died in obscurity, her marble sculptures recognized only long after her death. Whether or not she had a touch of madness is less important than her ability to see.

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Sara gelbard's avatar

Thanks Rene what a moving story. Me too can’t wait for more. Will upgrade for pay!!

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René Volpi's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it!

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Grace Drigo's avatar

Fascinating! Can’t wait to hear more..🩵

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Marc  W. Kohler's avatar

This is a story about the torture of a very fine woman artist who was with Rodin, and then kicked out of his home and studio. Her family would not give her any freedom, and kept her locked up in an asylum all of her life. It seems odd that her story is still not well known.

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René Volpi's avatar

Too progressive for the times, that's for sure. So terribly sad.

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