Louvre Exhibition 'Michel-Ange / Rodin. Corps vivants' Explores Artistic Dialogue Across Centuries
From April 15 to July 20, 2026, the Musée du Louvre in Paris will present 'Michel-Ange / Rodin. Corps vivants.' This exhibition showcases the artistry of Auguste Rodin in conjunction with that of Michelangelo Buonarroti, emphasizing Rodin's connection to Michel-Ange's creations. Notable Rodin pieces on display will include 'L'Âge d'airain' (1877) and 'Jean d'Aire nu' (1887), alongside Michel-Ange's 'L'Esclave rebelle' and 'L'Esclave mourant' (1513–1515). Since major works by Michel-Ange cannot be moved, the exhibition will also feature his drawings and sculptures from his contemporaries. It explores influences from Michel-Ange's Tomb of Lorenzo de' Medici, focusing on common themes of beauty and scale, with tactile devices explaining sculptural techniques and contemporary works by Joseph Beuys and Jana Sterbak.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Michel-Ange / Rodin. Corps vivants' runs from April 15 to July 20, 2026 at the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
- Features works by Auguste Rodin and Michelangelo Buonarroti (Michel-Ange), artists separated by three centuries.
- Rodin's sculptures include 'L'Âge d'airain' (1877), 'L'Adam' (1880–1881), and 'Jean d'Aire nu' (1887).
- Michel-Ange's works include 'L'Esclave rebelle' and 'L'Esclave mourant' (1513–1515) from the Louvre's collection.
- Rodin was deeply influenced by Michel-Ange's Tomb of Lorenzo de' Medici, which he saw in Florence in 1876.
- The exhibition compensates for few Michel-Ange sculptures with drawings, contemporary works, and reproductions.
- Both artists explored contrapposto, the 'non finito' (unfinished), and monumental scale.
- Rodin used praticiens for marble work, while Michel-Ange sculpted alone without assistants.
Entities
Artists
- Auguste Rodin
- Michelangelo Buonarroti (Michel-Ange)
- Valerio Cigoli
- Giovanni Francesco Rustici
- Joseph Beuys
- Jana Sterbak
Institutions
- Musée du Louvre
- Beaux Arts Magazine
- Grand Palais RMN
- Musée Rodin
- British Museum
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- Musée Rodin de Meudon
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Florence
- Italy
- Vatican
- Rome
- Meudon
- Bruxelles
- Belgium
- Vienna