<= Previous | November Issues Index | Next =>
Quotes of the Day for 12 November 2003 - Rodin

François Auguste René Rodin was born at Paris on this day in 1840. At an early age he showed talent for both drawing and math and was encouraged to apply to the Ecole des Beaux Arts but was rejected three times. He worked as decorative stone mason, but at age 23 he was devastated by the death of his sister and entered a monastery. The abbot recognized his talent and coaxed him back into productive efforts, and Rodin was soon back in Paris creating some of the most powerful human figures of the time. In fact, there was a controversy in 1877 when "The Age of Bronze" was met with skepticism, critics were sure it was actually cast from a human model rather than being sculpted.

I choose a block of marble and chop off whatever I don't need.

Nobody does good to man with impunity.

Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.

I invent nothing. I rediscover.

Art is contemplation. It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature and which there divines the spirit of which Nature herself is animated.

Sculpture is quite simply the art of depression and protruberance.
     - All from François Auguste René Rodin, 1840 - 1917

Would you like to see quotes like these in your mail tomorrow morning? Our 10,000 loyal subscribers hate to miss a day, perhaps you should sign up now! No cost or obligation, just be open to the enlightenment waiting for you among our 22,500+ quotes.