François-Auguste-René Rodin (12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917), known as Auguste Rodin, is a French sculptor.

Although Rodin is generally considered the progenitor of modern sculpture, he had not set out to rebel against the past.

Schooled traditionally, he takes a craftsmanlike approach to his work, and desires academic recognition, although he is never accepted into Paris's foremost school of art.

Sculpturally, Rodin possesses a unique ability to model a complex, turbulent, deeply pocketed surface in clay.

Many of his most notable sculptures are roundly criticized during his lifetime.

They clash with the predominant figure sculpture tradition, in which works are decorative, formulaic, or highly thematic.

Rodin's most original work departs from traditional themes of mythology and allegory, models the human body with realism, and celebrates individual character and physicality.

Rodin is sensitive to the controversy surrounding his work, but refuses to change his style.

Successive works bring increasing favor from the government and the artistic community.

From the unexpected realism of his first major figure — inspired by his 1875 trip to Italy — to the unconventional memorials whose commissions he later seeks, Rodin's reputation gros, such that he becomes the preeminent French sculptor of his time.

By 1900, he is a world-renowned artist.

Wealthy private clients seek Rodin's work after his World's Fair exhibit, and he keeps company with a variety of high-profile intellectuals and artists.

He marries his lifelong companion, Rose Beuret, in the last year of both their lives.

His sculptures suffer a decline in popularity after his death in 1917, but within a few decades, his legacy solidifies.

Rodin remains one of the few sculptors widely known outside the visual arts community.