Rodin

Overview

Another perspective on a radically innovative and at times controversial artist—great as a high school curriculum supplement or a read for curious adults

This comics biography of one of the greatest sculptors who ever lived is brought to life by a collaboration with the Rodin Museum and includes a preface by its director. It views the artist's story through the eyes of the three women who shared his life, for good or for bad. One was his lifelong on-and-off companion, the other two his muses—one of whom was Camille Claudel, a well-recognized sculptor herself. Rodin's work was revolutionary in conveying exceptional passion, transcending the stone. Here's how that happened.

Reviews

"Do you know the sculpture of the seated, naked man, hunched over, resting his chin on his hand? The Thinker? This graphic biography tells the story of its creator's artistic life. French sculptor Rodin was born in the late nineteenth century, and his passion for art took him from poverty and obscurity to riches and international notoriety. The connective tissue of this work is constructed around the three women in his life who supported his art, inspired his oeuvre, and positioned him for the effective marketing and promotion of what he produced. Rodin's phenomenal successes were hard won over time, and his most intimate relationships were direct casualties of his art. Alessandra's art, full color yet muted and heavy with earth tones, lends a credible air to the early twentieth-century Paris being depicted. Generous notes at the end of the short tome further contextualize Rodin's encounters as well as the highlights and pitfalls of his life. Do you know the sculpture of the seated, naked man, hunched over, resting his chin on his hand? The Thinker? This graphic biography tells the story of its creator's artistic life. French sculptor Rodin was born in the late nineteenth century, and his passion for art took him from poverty and obscurity to riches and international notoriety. The connective tissue of this work is constructed around the three women in his life who supported his art, inspired his oeuvre, and positioned him for the effective marketing and promotion of what he produced. Rodin's phenomenal successes were hard won over time, and his most intimate relationships were direct casualties of his art. Alessandra's art, full color yet muted and heavy with earth tones, lends a credible air to the early twentieth-century Paris being depicted. Generous notes at the end of the short tome further contextualize Rodin's encounters as well as the highlights and pitfalls of his life. Recommended for art history buffs." —Katrina Spencer, Booklist

Author Biography

Joel Alessandra is a French graphic novel artist who has also traveled extensively on missions to various countries of Africa, some of which he lived in, which inspired quite a few of his works. Eddy Simon is a French journalist and prominent comics writer and biographer.