RODIN: TOWARD MODERNITY

The Hilliard Art Museum is pleased to present Rodin: Toward Modernity, celebrating not only the remarkable legacy of Auguste Rodin but also the 20th anniversary of the construction of our iconic EskewDumezRipple+ building. This milestone, made possible by the generous initial gift from the Paul Hilliard family, underscores our commitment to showcasing transformative art and culture.

Rodin: Toward Modernity features 40 bronze sculptures that encompass the key achievements of Rodin’s career. This collection highlights his mastery of form, emotion, and movement, inviting viewers to engage with the complexity of his work. Each piece serves as a testament to his extraordinary vision, illuminating the metamorphic power of sculpture and its role in the evolution of art history.

The exhibition is divided into four sections: Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell, Portraiture, and Fragments.

Rodin’s Burghers of Calais transformed the landscape of public monuments by emphasizing the emotional depth and human experience in moments of crisis. Unlike traditional monuments that celebrate victory and heroism through grand, idealized figures, Rodin's work captures the nuances of despair and sacrifice.

The Gates of Hell stands as a testament to Rodin's artistic vision. This vast, intricate portal became a fertile ground for creativity, allowing Rodin to explore and express the complexities of human emotion and suffering. The project birthed many of the artist’s most iconic figures, such as The Kiss and depictions of Shades (souls of the damned), both on view in the exhibition. These works, initially conceived as part of the larger composition, gained their own identities and resonated deeply with audiences, showcasing Rodin's mastery of form and emotion.

Portraiture showcases Rodin’s exceptional talent for capturing not only the physical likeness of his subjects but also their inner essence. His remarkable ability to convey emotions and psychological depth allows viewers to sense the character and spirit of the individuals he portrayed. Each piece reveals a profound understanding of human nature, inviting contemplation of the subjects’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Finally, Fragments highlights Rodin’s innovative approach to capturing motion through sculpture. By focusing on the mechanics of movement, Rodin revealed the dynamism inherent in the human form. The use of fragmented bodies as complete works of art was revolutionary. By presenting limbs, torsos, or other body parts in isolation, Rodin challenged traditional notions of wholeness in sculpture.

More than 100 years after Rodin’s death, the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation continues to support Rodin scholarship and exhibitions, increasing access to Rodin’s legacy to audiences all over the world. The Hilliard extends heartfelt gratitude to the Iris and B. Gerald Foundation for making Rodin: Toward Modernity possible. Additionally, this exhibition would not be possible without key loans from the North Carolina Museum of Art and the extraordinary efforts of Judith Sobol, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions for the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation.