Metamorphoses: in Rodin's studio reveals the work of Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) and the materials he used to accomplish it, along with his collaborators, models, studio assistants and founders, as observed by eyewitnesses, photographers and writers. The theme of metamorphosis plunges us directly into the secrets of the studio to unveil the constantly shifting creative process of this revolutionary sculptor. Rodin is a pivotal figure not only because of his expression, of a rare emotional and psychological complexity, but also because of his profound renewal of the language of sculptural practice. One of the most striking aspects of his vision lies in his ascribing greater value to the act of creation, which he placed in the forefront, than to the imperious dogma of a necessarily completed work: no sculpture was ever immutably final in Rodin's mind.

This definitive monograph from the Musée Rodin in Paris on the pioneering artist who paved the way for modern sculpture is now available in an affordable compact format. Revered today as the greatest sculptor of all time, whose expressive style prefigured that of the modernist movement and abstract sculpture, Auguste Rodin (1840–1917) stirred up much controversy during his lifetime, and his sculptures often met with hostility and incomprehension from his peers. This monograph traces the life and work of the artist, from his youth and early poverty-stricken years of apprenticeship to his most celebrated works—The Kiss, The Thinker, The Gates of Hell—which have become veritable icons; and from his passionate and tumultuous relationship with Camille Claudel to his extraordinary studio, working methods, and sources of inspiration, and his final years marked by war and illness. Written by experts from the Musée Rodin in Paris, this richly illustrated volume includes drawings, watercolors, engravings, and archival documents, as well as specially commissioned photographs of Rodin’s sculptures, completed by a chronology, bibliography, and history of the Musée Rodin—housed in the artist’s former studio in the Hôtel Biron. Providing insight into the many facets of his creative genius, this new compact edition of the Musée Rodin’s definitive reference on the artist and his oeuvre coincides with museum’s reopening in September 2015.

Rodin has pronounced Rilke's essay the supreme interpretation of his work. A few years ago the sculptor expressed to the translators the wish that some day the book might be placed before the English-speaking public. The appreciation was published originally as one of a series of Art Monographs under the editorship of the late Richard Muther. To estimate and interpret the work of an artist is to be creatively just to him. For this reason there are fewer critics than there are artists, and criticism with but few exceptions is almost invariably negligible and futile.

An exceptional title developed in partnership with Rodin Museum, for the centenary of Rodin's death. The museum gave carte blanche to Anselm Kiefer, a renowned artist with an international career. Their aim was to highlight the similarity between these two men and their artistic journeys. Anselm Kiefer has been collaborating on this project for four years and will offer new works specially created for this exhibition - a mix of original large scale paintings, windows with sculptures/installations and large size book pages made of plaster and painted over. This book accompanies the Kiefer/Rodin: Cathedrals exhibition at Musee Rodin from March 2017 - October 2017 and Philadelphia: Barnes Foundation from mid November 2017 to end March 2018. There is a Rodin retrospective at Grand Palais, Paris, in October 2017. All three authors are curators at Musee Rodin. Their work is dedicated to preserving and publicising Rodin's art. SELLING POINTS: * Never before seen works by Anlsem Kiefer, created in homage to Rodin's work, to mark the centenary of his death * Published in conjunction with the centenary of Rodin's death * Many international celebrations have been planned: a 2 euro coin with Rodin's Thinker will be issued, as well as a stamp, a retrospective of Rodin at the Grand Palais in October 2017, and a film coming out in May - among many more 350 colour