You can hear when patrons view “The Thinker.” Their audible responses reflect the iconic sculpture?s 2,080 pounds of artistic genius.
The Baltimore Museum of Art recently moved its cast of “The Thinker,” one of only 20 in the world, from its Sculpture Garden to stand as the central figure in the exhibit Rodin: Expression and Influence.
The exhibit explores 19th-century French sculptor Auguste Rodin through his bronze busts, sculpted figures, watercolors and etchings. Additionally, the exhibit displays sculptures and works on paper from Degas, Maillol and Picasso to illustrate oppositions to Rodin?s style.
While others focused on the figure?s literal form and balance, Rodin sculpted “expressions of psychology,” said Dr. Oliver Shell, associate curator of European Paint and Sculpture.
Rodin infused meaning and intense emotions into his sculptures and created a “3-D collage technique” by sculpting pieces separately, Shell said.
Photographs of Rodin, “The Thinker” in front of the BMA in 1940, Rodin?s “The Gates of Hell” and Michelangelo?s “Tomb of Lorenzo de Medici” further viewers? understanding of Rodin?s influences and the artist, who was both cheered and jeered inhis lifetime.
Critics accused Rodin of creating overly theatrical works as well as casting live models, Shell said.
“Some works in the exhibit have never been shown before because the advent of modernism,” he said.
Rodin?s reputation did not flourish until after his death.
In the 1960s, essayists and exhibits resurrected an appreciation for Rodin?s desire and ability to reveal “a deeper truth,” Shell said.
The most fascinating areas of the exhibit include busts of Rodin?s lifelong companion, Rose Beuret and legendary authors Victor Hugo and Honore de Balzac.
According to the BMA, Rodin?s prolonged investigations of his subjects led to groundbreaking developments in serial sculpture that placed increasing emphasis on artistic process. Prolific, Rodin produced nearly 8,00 sketches.
The exhibit provides context for the museum?s fall retrospective on Matisse, an epic presentation involving more than 160 works, museum spokeswoman Anne Mannix said.
A cocky Matisse attempted the same aesthetic problems as Rodin, believing he could succeed where he thought Rodin failed, Shell said.
IF YOU GO
Rodin: Expression & Influence
» Venue: Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore
» When: Through April 6, 2008. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday,
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
» Cost: Free
» Information: 443-573-1700, artbma.org
