Rodin / Arp

In terms of modern sculpture, there are few artists who can claim the same level of influence as Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) and Hans “Jean” Arp (1886–1966). Rodin’s naturalistic rather than decorative approach to sculpture revolutionized the field in the late 19th century, while Arp prompted another wave of experimentation in the early 1900s with his abstract sculpture.

In this volume, the oeuvres of both pioneers are placed in conversation with one another to demonstrate their artistic affinities as well as their creative contrasts. As Rodin moved away from the preeminent trends of mythological allegory in order to focus on the organic elegance of the human figure, he eventually approached an Impressionistic style. Arp, as an early member of the Dadaist movement, reinterpreted many of the trends brought forth by Rodin, emphasizing abstraction as a means for conveying pathos.

This publication allows readers to appreciate the evolution of both artists individually and in the context of art history as a whole: as sculptural milestones, the creations of Rodin and Arp provide a vivid illustration of fundamental developments in modern sculpture stylistically and ideologically. Curator Raphaël Bouvier provides textual insight along with several other acclaimed art scholars, including Catherine Chevillot, Director of the Musée Rodin.