Camille Claudel is a genius French sculptor of the 19th century. Her tragedy is that, as an artist, she was far ahead of her time. The well-deserved recognition came to her only after her death.
The whole world knows the names of many writers, artists and composers who have left their mark on eternity. But the fate of some brilliant creators is tragic. Few people know about them. This is the story of Camille Claudel.
The childhood of the "white crow"
The talented sculptor and muse of the great Rodin was born on December 8, 1864 in France. My father was involved in real estate transactions and commercial operations. The mother was the ideal woman of her time.
Since childhood, the girl stood out among her peers. She didn't like dolls and household chores. Camille was fascinated by long walks. Admiring nature, she dreamed for a long time.
Molding became a favorite pastime of young Claudel. The girl carried home clay and at first sculpted figures of her parents and brother from it. Then the work became much more complicated. Mom was greatly annoyed by such a hobby for her daughter.
She considered the girl's occupation as pampering, moreover, requiring constant washing. But the father saw his daughter's talent and subsequently supported her.
Forward to the dream
For her sister's sculptures, her younger brother Paul posed. He later became a famous writer, eclipsing his sister with his talent. But as a child, Camilla was an idol for the boy.
The family often moved because of the nature of the father's activities. When her daughter was seventeen, Claudel lived in Paris. The girl headed to the Colarossi Academy, hoping to perfect her gift.
Since it was not accepted officially to train women in creative professions, on a voluntary basis, Camilla studied in the workshop of Alfred Boucher with several other girls. The sculptor has seen the work of the student before. It was he who advised her to develop talent in Paris.
Camilla's amazing skill was noticed by others. One of the respected sculptors decided that the girl studied with the famous Rodin.
Once Auguste Rodin really went into Boucher's workshop. He immediately noticed a bright girl. She soon became an apprentice to the legendary creator.
Love and creativity
For Rodin, Claudel was both a model and a lover. Auguste had a huge influence on the work of the young artist. Both were equal in talent. However, the meeting and cooperation became a real tragedy for Camilla.
The girl's works were compared with Rodin's. She was reproached for imitation. Even the sculpture "Oblivion", recognized as perfection, was considered a borrowing of the "Kiss".
The master has tried more than once to explain to the public that his assistant is talented in herself. Only his words sounded too hesitant. Creative worries were supplemented by love agony.
Camilla needed everything or nothing. She lived a painful and passionate love for Rodin.
Auguste was also related to the girl, but another woman settled in his life.
Sickness and oblivion
Rosa Bere shared her ups and downs with the master. Therefore, he could not leave her, addicted and sick.
But the proud nature was not satisfied with such explanations. She delivered an ultimatum. The sculptor chose the Rose.
Camilla left, but she left the master in the belief that this was only for a while. Claudel believed that very soon Rodin would come, because without her he could not.
Time has shown that Camilla was mistaken in this too. Love turned into passionate hatred. For all the problems, the girl blamed only the former idol. However, she continued to work, creating many talented creations: "Waltz", "Maturity", "Praying".
From within, Camille was burned with resentment and bitterness. Even successful exhibitions did not help. She wandered at night under Rodin's windows, shouting threats and curses.
Increasingly, uncontrolled outbursts of hatred were manifested. During one of them, Claudel smashed all the figures in the workshop.
The result of the throwing was a terrible diagnosis: schizophrenia. Doctors believed that Camilla posed no danger to those around her.
But the family decided otherwise, sending the woman to a closed hospital for the mentally ill.
Deserved recognition
Since 1913, Camille Claudel has been forgotten as a sculptor. For thirty years she lived at the Ville-Evrave clinic. Relatives were offered to take her away, but her mother resisted.
The conditions in the clinic were harsh. It is believed that Camilla was not crazy. But she had seen enough of them.
The recluse behaved apathetically. She no longer touched her beloved clay.
Claudel died in 1943. Glory during his lifetime bypassed the talented person. But after Camilla's death, her work found its place.
She was recognized not only as Rodin's muse, but also as a unique creator. Today her works adorn private collections and world museums. A ballet has been staged and a film has been made about her life. Long oblivion was the price of genius.
