Auguste Rodin Das Eherne Zeitalter

Auguste Rodin's "The Age of Bronze"

Auguste Rodin is widely considered one of the greatest sculptors in French history. His sculptures, such as The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Burghers of Calais, are some of the most recognizable works of art in the world. One of his most famous works, however, is The Age of Bronze, or Das Eherne Zeitalter in German.

The Creation of The Age of Bronze

Created in 1877, The Age of Bronze is a life-sized bronze sculpture of a nude man that stands six feet tall. Rodin was inspired to create the piece after seeing a plaster cast of a statue of a Belgian soldier in the Louvre. He had originally intended to make the sculpture a memorial to the Belgian revolution, but it was ultimately rejected by the Belgian government. Rodin worked tirelessly on the sculpture, spending over a year perfecting it. He used the lost wax method of casting and created a clay model of the sculpture before making a plaster cast. He then covered the plaster cast in wax and melted it away to create the bronze sculpture.

The Reception of The Age of Bronze

When The Age of Bronze was first presented to the public, it caused a stir. Many people were shocked by the lifelike realism of the sculpture, and some accused Rodin of casting the sculpture from a living model. Rodin was forced to defend himself, and he eventually proved that the sculpture was entirely his own work. Despite the controversy, The Age of Bronze was a huge success. It won the Gold Medal at the 1878 Paris Salon, and it was acquired by the French government shortly after. Rodin went on to become one of the most celebrated sculptors in history, and The Age of Bronze is considered one of his greatest works.

The Legacy of The Age of Bronze

The Age of Bronze has had a lasting impact on the art world. It has been widely copied and imitated by other sculptors, and it has become an iconic symbol of the realism and naturalism of the late 19th century. The Age of Bronze is also a testament to Rodin's skill as a sculptor. His ability to create a lifelike sculpture using only bronze and clay is a testament to his genius. The Age of Bronze is a masterpiece that will continue to inspire artists and art lovers for generations to come.

The Age of Bronze is a timeless masterpiece that stands as a testament to Auguste Rodin's skill as a sculptor. It is a symbol of the realism and naturalism of the late 19th century, and its influence on the art world can still be felt today. The Age of Bronze is a reminder of Rodin's genius, and it will continue to inspire artists and art lovers for generations to come.

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