ANALYSIS/OPINION:
On the centennial of the death of Auguste Rodin (1849-1917), museums worldwide are featuring special exhibitions paying homage to the “father of modern sculpture.” Stateside, Philadelphia museums are rolling out several exhibits in tribute to the French master.
The Rodin Museum shines a light on Rodin’s most famous sculptures from the 1880s, “The Thinker” and “The Kiss,” as well as his lesser-known sketches and plaster models. Cuban sculptor Wilfredo Prieto will lecture on how Rodin fostered a revolution in sculpture due to his pieces hewing close to the living — and his works going beyond the external form, expressing inner truths of the human psyche.
The Rodin Museum, located on the Ben Franklin Parkway between the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, houses the largest collection of works by the artist outside of France. Its collection features pieces Rodin crafted in bronze, marble, clay and plaster.
At the nearby Barnes Foundation, the exhibit “Kiefer Rodin” (through March 12), counterpoints Rodin’s work with that of artist Anselm Kiefer (b. 1945) in an exhibit co-curated with the Rodin Museum in Paris, where the work was exhibited earlier this year. Mr. Kiefer, who first encountered Rodin’s work as a teenager, draws inspiration from Rodin’s sculptures and drawings in his own art. The resulting show at the Barnes aims to promote comparison between older and contemporary art in over 100 featured works.
After taking in both exhibits, a good idea to cap the day is to stay at the nearby Logan Hotel Philadelphia, which boasts its own art collection — many pieces inspired by Philadelphia history itself. The Logan offers rural chic dining at its Urban Farmer restaurant and is ideally located in the arts district within walking distance of several museums. Download the Logan Hotel Art Tour App for a better guided experience.
Iris Brooks, a prolific arts/travel writer covering all of the continents, frequently collaborates with photographer Jon H. Davis at Northern Lights Studio, NLScreativemedia.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.