Giannis Ts. G32013-2014

Camille Claudel was born on December 8th 1864 and died on October 19th 1943 in the age of 78

She was a French sculptor and graphic artist

She was the elder sister of the poet and diplomat Paul Claudel

Fascinated with stone and soil as a child, as a young woman she studied at the Académie Colarossi with sculptor Alfred Boucher

In 1882, Claudel rented a workshop with other young women, mostly English. Alfred Boucher became her mentor and provided inspiration and encouragement to the next generation of sculptors. The latter was depicted in "Camille Claudel lisant" by Boucher and later she herself sculpted a bust of her mentor.

Before moving to Florence and after having taught Claudel and others for over three years, Boucher asked Auguste Rodin to take over the instruction of his pupils. This is how Rodin and Claudel met and their tumultuous and passionate relationship started.

After 1905 Claudel appeared to be mentally ill. She destroyed many of her statues, disappeared for long periods of time, and exhibited signs of paranoia and was diagnosed as having schizophrenia. She accused Rodin of stealing her ideas and trying to kill her. After the wedding of her brother (who had supported her until then) in 1906 and his return to China, she lived secluded in her workshop.

Camille Claudel is a 1988 French film about her life. The movie was based on the book by Reine-Marie Paris , granddaughter of Camille's brother. It was directed by Brun Nuytten, co-produced by Isabelle Adjani, and starred her and Gérard Depardieu.

References-wikipedia-google images

Special thanks to a wonderful person Michelle Xynou…