The Making of Rodin

Experimental works reveal a new side to the sculptor who changed art history

Working at the turn of the 20th century, Auguste Rodin created sculptures with an expressiveness and emotion rarely seen before.

This major exhibition offers a unique insight into Rodin’s processes, highlighting the crucial role of plaster in his practice. The exhibition evokes the informal atmosphere of the studio, where you will discover lesser-known pieces and new aspects of his most iconic works.

Although Rodin is best known for his bronze and marble sculptures, his greatest skill was as a modeller, who captured movement, light and volume in pliable materials such as clay and plaster. A stockpile of plaster body parts allowed him to experiment with fragmentation, assemblage and repetition, exploring infinite groupings and poses. Seeing his work in plaster is the closest we can come to Rodin’s thinking and mark where his work breaks with tradition.

The realisation of this landmark exhibition is possible due to a unique collaboration with the Musée Rodin, who have offered Tate unprecedented access to their collection. It features over 200 works, many of which have not been seen outside of France before.