Young Mother With Child Statue By Rodin

Young Mother With Child Statue By Rodin - The theme of motherly love does not occur often in Auguste Rodin's work, except for a period around 1885. Apparently, this theme then played a big part in his life. This touching sculpture of a nude mother seated on a rock being gently nuzzled by her young child is a beautiful and eternal statement about motherhood. The Young Mother composition can also be distinguished in relief on the side panel of the Gates of Hell, a bronze portal meant for the Musee des Arts Decoratifs which was never finished. A bronze copy was offered by the artist to be auctioned as a contribution towards the costs of the monument in honor of Claude Lorrain, a 17th century-painter whom Rodin greatly admired.

Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), was a famous French sculptor, whose work had a huge influence on modern art and he is generally considered the progenitor of modern sculpture;  however he did not set out to rebel against the past. He was traditionally schooled, took a craftsman-like approach to his work, and desired academic recognition.  He applied at the age of 17 to the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, but was rejected twice, and in fact, he was never accepted into Paris's foremost school of art.