Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) Rodin's life as a sculptor has long been characterized by the mixed reactions that his works aroused in the public. The misunderstanding that Rodin's work encountered was partly linked to the original character of his art. He was little attracted by the strict formulas of Romanticism and the neutrality of Impressionism did not appeal to him any more. Rodin's work is characterized above all by his passion for the human body. He used models a lot and did not consider himself capable of creating if he did not have a living example in front of his eyes. I only stick to nature and never claim to be able to control it, he used to say. “‑My only ambition is to serve her and be faithful to her.