The sculpture of Auguste Rodin is generally considered to be the most important contribution to the world of sculpture in the 19th century. Rodin's innovations in expressive techniques paved the way for a change from the extreme realism of the day and also from the long domination of Greek influence. Although his works are very unique, Rodin derived inspiration from many sources including Gothic art, the dance, and the works of Dante, Donatello, and Michelangelo.

The popularity of Rodin’s sculpture stems from his ability to reveal the inner life of the human being through gestures and attitudes of the body. He was able to simulate the effect of actual flesh while still showing the inner feelings of the figures. In his work, we are able to see the passion that exists between lovers in a sensual and tasteful way.

The sensuality and erotic nature of many of Rodin’s statues make them some of our most popular items at Statue.com. His most famous work is The Thinker Statue, but only slightly behind this in popularity at Statue.com is The Kiss.

Some of Auguste Rodin’s other popular pieces include the following:

Danaid
In Danaid, the goal of Rodin was to render inner feelings through muscular movement. And reproduce the soul, love, and passion of life. This splendid sculpture ranks among the most renowned works of Rodin. It represents one of the daughters of Danaus, King of Argos, condemned in Hades to perpetually fill a vessel full of holes, as punishment for the murder of her husband. What exquisite rhythm and beauty of contour there are in this slim girlish figure, who has thrown herself down beside the stream, in despairing abandonment.

The Cathedral
To Rodin, two hands symbolized a lover's union every bit as powerfully as his more explicit subjects did. Their eroticism is conveyed in a way can’t be seen, but rather imagined in this amazingly fluid sculptural moment frozen in time.

Eternal Idol
A young woman is half seated, half kneeling, with her head bending forward and a dreamy look in her face. A man kneeling before her is restraining his desire with his arms behind his back. He softly bends his head and plants a kiss under her breast, over the heart. The originality of the pose is unique in sculpture, rendering it one of the loveliest commentaries on the relation between man and woman that exist in art. Also known as the Host, this piece makes a wonderful gift for lovers of any age.

To view our entire collection of Auguste Rodin Sculpture, please click here.