Being first generation Canadian, I became spoiled by overseas family visits as well as living abroad. When stressed, I’d pop into a free art museum, where the beautiful pieces would somehow help to solve my problem or at least give me some reprieve. One of the best gifts I received this year was a VIP membership to Musée des Beaux-Arts Montréal.
The museum spans two buildings, so it is a lot to take in for one visit. My fav is popping in even when I only have 15min. With a VIP card, it’s easily affordable!
It always helps me breathe better. And when I learned there was going to be a collaboration with Musée Rodin, I ran to the exhibit.
While in university, I had been lucky enough to see ‘The Kiss’ up close and then the Balzec group of creations. But, I only ever saw 1 – 4 pieces of Rodin in one museum. In Musée Des Beaux-Arts Montréal’s Metamorphoses: In Rodin’s Studio, I was overcome by the breadth of his work. Immensely stunning.
I have to admit, I was ignorant as to the sheer volume Rodin had created. I guess it’s no surprise that he’s quoted, “We are workers whose day never ends”.
Working in bronze.
Plaster.
And, Marble. Tidbit: he prefers bronze because marble requires a work intensive reproduction rather than a less time consuming replica casting.
Something unique about this exhibit is the unveiling of a photographic collection: Rodin’s Work Through Eugène Druet’s lens. A kind of ‘behind-the-scenes’ glimpse into his process.
Two things I learned about the artist which I never knew. (Oui, I’m an utter art nerd.)
- Rodin believed that beauty in ‘one piece was beautiful in its entirety’. This is why he loved creating parts of the human body. Tidbit: he came upon by accident while creating a statue; head fell off, which caused the nose to break off. Rodin reattached the head but left the nose off. He dug it better. I think we could be amis ; ).
- Rodin was very particular about his models. This is one of my favs: “She Who Was The Helmet Maker’s Once-Beautiful Wife”. Tidbit: she is the mother to a family of models.
Special to this Rodin exhibit are two pieces never before seen in Canada.
The Thinker.
The Walking Man.
Pictures do not do them justice. They are massive with gorgeous detail. A must-see in person.
Something truly spectacular, is The Touching Room. It is designed for the seeing impaired and the four year old in all of us. Braille handbooks, wall displays and smaller castings can be touched. I was in heaven! Being a sucker for romance, I was all over ‘The Kiss’.
I’ve barely scratched the surface of what I saw. This finely curated Rodin exhibit must be visited.
Metamorphoses: In Rodin’s Studio will be in Musée Des Beaux-Arts Montréal until October 18th.
Perhaps we’ll see one another pondering life’s queries 😉.
Bisous,
Mlle Fab uste Rodin
xo
