Key points
- Camille Claudel's sculpture, L'Âge Mûr , sold at auction for 3.7 million euros ($3.8 million) in Orléans, France.
- The sculpture is an expressive group of bronze figures representing a man and two women.
- The Mature Age is a significant work of art that had been lost for over a century before its discovery.
- The sale of the sculpture is the second most expensive piece ever sold by Camille Claudel .
- Individual pieces by Camille Claudel are generally valued at around $1 million.
- The sculpture sold for more than double its pre-sale estimate.
The fascinating story of Camille Claudel 's lost masterpiece is one of mystery and emotion. The famous French sculptor, whose talent was long overshadowed by her mentor and lover Auguste Rodin , has seen one of her major works, L'Âge Mûr , resurface after more than a century of neglect.
An unexpected discovery in an abandoned apartment
The sculpture was found in a Parisian apartment that had been unoccupied for 15 years. It was Matthieu Semont , an auctioneer at Philocale , who made this incredible discovery. While inspecting the apartment’s belongings on behalf of the new owner, he came across this precious work, hidden among various objects. The apartment, once lively and vibrant, had been transformed into a place frozen in time.
The Mature Age : A symbolic and poignant work
This bronze sculpture embodies themes dear to Camille Claudel : love, loss, and the inexorable passage of time. The sculpted group depicts a kneeling young woman—an obvious representation of Claudel herself—desperately trying to hold on to her lover, Auguste Rodin , 24 years her senior. He is gently led away by an old woman, probably Rose Beuret , Rodin's faithful companion, who is depicted in a caricatured manner. This powerful scene illustrates romantic conflict, betrayal, and separation, recurring themes in Claudel's work.
A record auction in Orléans
At the auction in Orleans, France , the sculpture exceeded all expectations, fetching 3.7 million euros ( $3.8 million ), more than double its initial estimate.
This exceptional sale ranks L'Âge Mûr as the second most expensive work ever sold by Camille Claudel , just behind the unique version of La Valse , which sold for $5.1 million .
The artistic legacy of Camille Claudel
Camille Claudel 's career is marked by her creative genius and her complex personal history. Trained alongside Auguste Rodin , she developed a unique sculptural style, combining emotional intensity and fine detail. Although Rodin's influence is palpable in her early works, Claudel quickly freed herself from his shadow to impose her own artistic vision.
His creations explore universal themes of love, suffering and change, while offering a psychological depth rare in modern sculpture. L'Âge Mûr is an emblematic example, illustrating not only the loss of love but also the artist's inner struggle with his destiny.
A belated but deserved recognition
Long relegated to the background in the history of art, Camille Claudel is today celebrated for her exceptional contribution to modern sculpture. This spectacular rediscovery strengthens her legacy and restores her to the place she deserves among the great masters of her time.
Jean Dubreil