Auguste Rodin

The artist is merely a machine to register movements.

Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.

I have sought to express the passion, the mystery of the soul.

The true artist is a child who observes and is amazed.

I am not a photographer, I am a sculptor.

The art of drawing is the art of seeing.

There are no beautiful subjects in art, but only beautiful artists.

Sculpture is simply drawing in space.

The greatest joy of my life is to work.

Art is a religion.

To be an artist is to believe in life.

I am a slave to my work.

The work of art is already within the block of marble. I just chop off whatever isn't needed.

People say I think too much about women, yet, after all what is there more important to think about?

Why then should I clothe him to make him look ridiculous in the foolish masculine fashions of his time? There is nothing more banal than these statues of recent notabilities, to be seen in every big city of Europe, masquerading as tailors' models of their ugly period. Man's naked form on the other hand belongs to no particular moment in history; it is eternal, and can be looked upon with joy by the people of all ages.

It's quite simple, the day the public will recognise my sculptures and those of other young artists in my wake, the teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts will be turned upside down.

I'm a worker who enjoys the basest of tasks. These rough hands that now work the block also mix the plaster.

What makes my Thinker think is that he thinks not only with his brain, with his knitted brow, his distended nostrils and compressed lips, but with every muscle of his arms, back, and legs, with his clenched fist and gripping toes.

People have often accused me of having made erotic sculptures. I have never made a sculpture for the sake of the erotic element.

My dear Rose. Today I was thinking about you. If I were alone, I would write you a long letter. I was in the village, I felt good, I enjoyed the clean air and beautiful weather, but my soul yearned for you. You see, I am under an attack of tenderness. I am so changeable that even kind feelings can visit me, although I do not always like to reckon with them. When they sometimes come, I, fascinated by their rare visit, am ready to give them a warm welcome. However, I do not like the tyranny of tender feelings. But I stop my jokes. Write me more, I assure you that it will be nice.