There is a great exhibit at the Virginia Fine Arts Museum in Richmond of Rodin’s
work. It's all about the thumb print on the clay, the soft give when
pressed. Like Michaelangelo’s genius but
softer, a malleable exquisite modeling of the human form. Every muscle is correct, proportions and
weighting are perfect. Right in a way you
can feel. The exhibit walked us through
his work and his methods and ended with three of the Burghers of Calais, the
city leaders who offered themselves as sacrifices to save the town. Each person went resolute to their expected
death but the feelings of fear, apprehension, determination powered through
each uniquely. They loomed above us and
we gaze up at their purposed, noble faces in awe as intended.
Here are some sketches from my visit:
