The Making of Rodin by Dr Richard Stemp

 Working at the turn of the 20th century, Auguste Rodin broke the rules of classical sculpture to create an image of the human body that mirrored the ruptures, complexities and uncertainties of the modern age.

Richard will discuss on the importance of plaster in Rodin’s work. Although Rodin is best known for his bronze and marble sculptures, he himself worked as a modeller, who captured movement, light and volume in pliable materials such as clay and plaster.

With the process of making at its heart, this talk will look at the complex dynamics of the workshop, as well as between the artist and his models and collaborators, including fellow sculptor Camille Claudel, the Japanese actress Ohta Hisa, and the German aristocrat Helene Von Nostitz.

This lecture will be perfect preparation for the exhibition of the same name at Tate Modern.