Bowman Sculpture has announced its upcoming exhibition, ‘Faces and Fables: Rodin’s Portraiture, Great Commissions, Mythology, and Sculptural Innovations. This extraordinary showcase offers an immersive journey into the compelling world of Auguste Rodin, one of history’s most revered sculptors.
Scheduled to open from June 20 to July 19, ‘Faces and Fables will be a comprehensive exploration of Rodin’s artistic evolution. The exhibition will feature a selection of 30 sculptures spanning from Rodin’s early works to his final masterpieces, delving into themes of portraiture, monumental commissions, mythology, and sculptural innovation.
Rodin’s portraiture, characterised by depth and emotion, will take centre stage in the exhibition. From intimate studies to grand busts, each sculpture reveals Rodin’s unparalleled ability to breathe life into clay and bronze, capturing his subjects’ physical likeness and inner essence. Highlights include two versions of Rodin’s iconic portraits derived from the Monument to Balzac, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the artist’s creative process.
In addition to his portraiture, Rodin’s monumental commissions, such as ‘The Gates of Hell’ and ‘The Burghers of Calais,’ will be showcased to awe-inspiring audiences. These iconic works, which grace public spaces and prestigious institutions worldwide, exemplify Rodin’s talent for capturing the grandeur of the human form while evoking profound narratives of reality and imagination.
A particularly rare exhibition highlight is a lifetime cast of ‘The Thinker,’ one of only six known casts between 1903 and 1914. Originally conceived as part of Rodin’s monumental work, ‘The Gates of Hell,’ ‘The Thinker’ has become one of the most iconic sculptures in history, symbolising the power of human thought and contemplation.
Visitors to ‘Faces and Fables’ will also have the opportunity to explore Rodin’s fascination with mythology as he reinterprets timeless tales through the language of sculpture. Rodin’s innovative use of sculptural techniques and materials will be central to the exhibition, highlighting his experimental approach and enduring impact on the art world.
“We are pleased to present ‘Faces and Fables,'” says Robert Bowman, founder of Bowman Sculpture. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to delve into Auguste Rodin’s rich and multifaceted world, from his early romantic pieces to his groundbreaking innovations. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to Rodin’s work, this exhibition promises to inspire and captivate audiences.”
Bowman Sculpture is currently taking part in the Taipei Dangdai Art Fair in Taiwan between May 10th and 12th, 2024, where it is hosting a solo Rodin booth, with several rare examples of Rodin’s sculpture, including an essentially complete set of the Burghers of Calais, all cast within Rodin’s lifetime, a lifetime 1st reduction Kiss, the largest size available on the market today and the rare lifetime cast of the Thinker. The fair opened during the same week as the inaugural exhibition of Auguste Rodin at the Fubon Art Museum, designed by architect Renzo Piano.
Top Photo: Auguste Rodin Courtesy Bowman Sculpture
BOWMAN SCULPTURE GALLERY, 6 DUKE STREET ST JAMES’S, SW1Y 6BN, LONDON. 20th June – 19th July 2024