A couple of things struck me as we made our way through the rooms. One was the frustration and disappointment and even rejection both Michelangelo and Rodin experienced. They may have been geniuses, but that didn't mean they were always celebrated, and at times the practicalities of cost meant that their grand visions didn't come to fruition.
They were also immersed in cultures of religious symbolism and both of them were people of faith, in their own ways. For Michelangelo the church was a principle sponsor of his work, so he painted and sculpted many biblical themes. He was also the architect for a number of church structures. Rodin's culture was different and France in the 19th century was moving into post-Revolution secularism, but religion still had a considerable influence. I hadn't realized that his Thinker, surely one of the most recognized sculptures of all time, was a central figure in his Gates of Hell project, which wasn't cast during his lifetime.
Both men were celebrated while they were alive, but they often carried on with their passion and creativity despite the reservations of those who paid the bills.
Any comments about any of this?
3 comments:
We have been fortunate enough to go to Paris the last three years, and one of our must-see attractions each time is the Rodin Museum. I was constantly asking myself how one person could complete so many amazing sculptures in one lifetime. Simply amazing.
Paris is glorious for so many reasons, but the AGO exhibit ain't bad -- and a cheaper trip. Thanks Roger.
I am often awed by the talent in individuals who produce beautiful art - sculptors particularly intrigue me - it is a mystery to me how a person can take a chunk of marble or wood and "see" a figure within, then carve it out with detail, and effect a beautiful result ... given the same, I would have a pile of wood chips or marble dust at my feet in the end !Many artists are not appreciated for the gifts they possess, and certainly are not paid appropriately for their work .. perhaps because the non - artistic public does not appreciate their hours, passion and talent, or perhaps because the rest of us have other priorities for our money...
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