Rare 1915 Film Captures Auguste Rodin Working at Hôtel Biron
A captivating film from 1915 features renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin in his Paris studio at the Hôtel Biron, filmed shortly before his death. Directed by actor Sacha Guitry for the film *Ceux de Chez Nous*, it captures Rodin diligently working on a marble sculpture. Rodin resided at the historic Hôtel Biron, an 18th-century mansion, under an agreement with the French government that included donating his artworks. This arrangement ultimately led to the establishment of the Musée Rodin. The footage also includes scenes of Rodin in a garden, where he offered insights into his creative process.
Key facts
- Film shot in 1915, two years before Rodin's death.
- Footage by Sacha Guitry for the film Ceux de Chez Nous.
- Rodin worked at the Hôtel Biron in Paris.
- Hôtel Biron built in early 18th century, served as Catholic school until 1904.
- Rodin occupied the mansion after bequeathing his works to the French state.
- The estate became the Musée Rodin after his death.
- Film shows Rodin chipping marble with hammer and chisel.
- Rodin's quote: 'I choose a block of marble and chop off whatever I don’t need.'
Entities
Artists
- Auguste Rodin
- Jean Cocteau
- Isadora Duncan
- Henri Matisse
- Rainer Maria Rilke
- Clara Westhoff Rilke
- Sacha Guitry
Institutions
- Musée Rodin
- Hôtel Biron
- Open Culture
Locations
- Paris
- France