Auguste Rodin

François-Auguste-René Rodin (November 12, 1840 – November 17, 1917) was a French sculptor widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 19th century. Born in Paris to a modest family, Rodin initially struggled for recognition, working as a mason's helper before his talent was acknowledged. He revolutionized sculpture by breaking away from idealized neoclassical traditions, instead creating highly expressive, emotionally charged works that captured the human condition in unprecedented ways. His masterpiece, 'The Thinker,' originally titled 'Le Poète' (The Poet), became an iconic symbol of intellectual contemplation and remains one of the world's most recognizable sculptures. Other celebrated works include 'The Gates of Hell,' 'The Kiss,' and 'The Burghers of Calais,' each demonstrating his ability to convey raw emotion and psychological depth through form. Rodin's innovative approach to surface texture, where he left marks of his creative process visible, influenced modernism profoundly. He received numerous honors late in life and established the Musée Rodin in Paris. His legacy extends far beyond sculpture, fundamentally changing how artists approach form, emotion, and the representation of the human body in modern art.