Why a Booktrail?
1864 – 1943: A mesmerizing tale of art and passion in Belle Epoque France
Rodin’s Lover
What you need to know before your trail
As a woman, aspiring sculptor Camille Claudel has plenty of critics, especially her ultra-traditional mother. But when Auguste Rodin makes Camille his apprentice–and his muse–their passion inspires groundbreaking works. Yet, Camille’s success is overshadowed by her lover’s rising star, and her obsessions cross the line into madness.
Locations
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Paris
Camille Claudel (1864 – 19 October 1943) was a French sculptor and artist. She is perhaps most well known for having been the lover as well as co-worker of sculptor Auguste Rodin.
She studied at the Académie Colarossi, one of the few places open to female students. It was around 1884, that Claudel started working in Rodin’s workshop. She became his muse and lover although Rodin never gave up his long term relationship with another woman
Though she destroyed much of her work, about 90 statues, sketches and drawings survive. The national Camille Claudel Museum in Nogent-sur-Seine opened in 2017, and the Musée Rodin in Paris has a room dedicated to Claudel’s works.
Henrik Ibsen apparently based his last play, 1899’s When We Dead Awaken, on Rodin’s relationship with Claudel.
Streetview Maps
A) Paris - Rodin Museum
D) Nogent-sur-Seine - Musée Camille Claudel
Booktrail Boarding Pass: Rodin’s Lover
Destination: Paris, France Author/Guide: Heather Webb Departure Time: 1864 – 1943
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