The provided text offers an extensive overview of the life and artistic contributions of François Auguste René Rodin, a highly influential French sculptor regarded as the founder of modern sculpture. The material details his biography, covering his formative years, struggles with rejection from the École des Beaux-Arts, and professional independence, including his tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Camille Claudel. Much of the text is dedicated to his major works, such as The Gates of Hell, The Thinker, and The Burghers of Calais, highlighting the controversy these naturalistic and unconventional pieces often generated. Furthermore, the source discusses his artistic aesthetic and methods, focusing on his focus on emotional chara ...