Bondil, Nathalie and Sophie Biass-Fabiani (editors) — Metamorphoses in Rodin's Studio

Montreal, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts / Musee Rodin, 2015. Hardcover. White & color illustrated boards, 304 pp. 475+ color illustrations. Issued in conjunction with a 2015-2016 series of exhibitions that reveal "the work of Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) and the materials he used to accomplish it, along with his collaborators, models, studio assistants and founders, as observed by eyewitnesses, photographers and writers. The theme of metamorphosis plunges us directly into the secrets of the studio to unveil the constantly shifting creative process of this revolutionary sculptor. Rodin is a pivotal figure not only because of his expression, of a rare emotional and psychological complexity, but also because of his profound renewal of the language of sculptural practice. One of the most striking aspects of his vision lies in his ascribing greater value to the act of creation, which he placed in the forefront, than to the imperious dogma of a necessarily completed work: no sculpture was ever immutably final in Rodin's mind." (back cover) Presents nearly 400 examples of his sculpture here, along with relevant narratives. A terrific treatment for this artist. G+ .