Paper Topic:

Art History

Auguste Rodin 's emotional sculpture Christ and Mary Magdalen ' marks a significant turn in art 's traditional depiction of religious concepts While intentionally rough-hewn in appearance , the piece exudes both sadness and sensuality . It 's the concept of sensuality that makes the work such a departure from previous eras . The rough and chippy appearance of the cross and surrounding land sharply contrasts with the smoothness of the two figures

Christ and Mary Magdalen ' depicts a scene of the crucifixion , with Christ in his dying moment . Magdalen grasps at his body and bows

her head against his chest , weeping , while Christ in turn appears to rest his head on her shoulder . It is a scene of both intense sadness and tragic romance- a final farewell between lovers , perhaps ? This depiction would have been considered extremely controversial in traditional religious circles , and unheard of in earlier artistic periods where such a liberal interpretation of the Christ /Magdalen relationship would not have been permitted

Rodin 's artistic environment however , in the late 19th and early 20th century , was one of social revolution and increasing freedom of religious and sexual expression . That is not to say that this piece and others of his work were not met with controversy , but on the whole artists of this period experienced far greater freedom of expression than in centuries past

Such a contrast in style can be seen when comparing this work to earlier religious sculpture , such as Jean de Liege 's Virgin and Child created in the 14th century . Like most traditional pieces , this sculpture features smooth , highly polished surfaces and intense detail Fabric drapery is particularly extravagant , and facial detail is extreme- in many cases , depicting single strands of hair . While it possesses all the detailed design elements that Rodin 's piece lacks Liege 's sculpture sacrifices that which Rodin strove to attain with his piece- emotional expression

Earlier sculpture focuses on presenting an image , not an idea , while Rodin 's piece utilizes minimalism of form in to create an emotional impression on the viewer . Rodin was fully capable of giving his sculpture all the detail present in the Liege piece (a quick viewing of his more traditional realistic pieces are simple enough proof of this , however he carefully chose which elements to enhance in to convey his message

Some art historians have suggested that Christ and Mary Magdalen ' was something of a protest piece for Rodin , expressing his frustration with his Catholic faith . Biographical sources state he abandoned his faith after the death of his beloved sister Maria , and adopted an agnostic view of Life and Nature . It could have been this rebellion against traditional religious beliefs that fostered his controversial view of Christ and Magdalen , as suffering human lovers rather than the iconic unfeeling images traditionally depicted in churches . It also expresses his own sadness over the loss of his sister

This personal touch on a religious subject is what separates Rodin 's work from earlier pieces like that of Liege...

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