Home > Exhibitions > Rodin: A Magnificent Obsession-Sculpture from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation

Rodin: A Magnificent Obsession-Sculpture from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation

Tuesday, April 20–Saturday, July 3, 2004

Auguste Rodin, The Kiss, ca. 1881-82. Courtesy Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation.

The origin of modern sculpture begins with Rodin and the reaction he provoked by reconfiguring the human form. Before him, figurative sculpture had been wedded to the classical canons of beauty and form. No previous sculptor had envisioned or conceived the human figure as a fragmented or partial entity, nor had they explored sexuality and eros with such candid conviction. Rodin’s innovations with the figure continue to resonate, especially with many contemporary sculptors looking to revitalize the figurative tradition. Based on this concept, the presentation of Rodin: A Magnificent Obsession Sculpture from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation offered a unique, two-fold opportunity by allowing the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to showcase significant figurative works from the permanent collection and to expand upon these strengths by also featuring important contemporary works by artists not represented in the Gallery’s permanent collection.

This exhibition was organized and made possible by the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation. Made possible, in Buffalo, through the generous support of M&T Bank and Judge and Mrs. John T. Elfvin.

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