True Nature: Rodin and the Age of Impressionism presents works by one of the most celebrated sculptors of all time, Rodin, side by side with extraordinary paintings by his renowned contemporaries. This stunning exhibition is on view right now at The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, and it is well worth the trip over the Howard Frankland Bridge (or Selmon Expressway!).
The beautiful museum is located at 255 Beach Drive NE in downtown St. Petersburg. The Museum of Fine Arts is home to the decadent Clementine Bakery, and their pastries are some of the best in the entire Tampa Bay region. Treat yourself to a matcha latte and a fresh baked croissant before entering one of the most awe-inspiring exhibitions we have ever seen.
ADVERTISEMENT
A series of captivating sculptures, bucolic paintings, and even video footage of the artist himself provide an immersive experience sure to enchant even the most modest of art admirers. The collection will be on view through March 26.
This exhibition includes nearly 40 of Rodin’s masterpieces, ranging from intimately scaled marble statues to monumental bronzes. “It offers a remarkably comprehensive look at Rodin, placing him within the context of the profound artistic, cultural, and social changes occurring at the end of the nineteenth century in France,” notes the Museum of Fine Arts curatorial team in a press release.
Rodin’s revolutionary works illuminate the Museum of Fine Arts
Those who aren’t art historians will find themselves feasting on the sumptuous works of a genius for the very first time. Each towering sculpture, complete with elongated hands, strained neck, and abyss-like eyes, hold their own orbit. The hallmarks of Rodin’s style include his decision not to smooth over or hide signs of his sculptural process and the creation of sculptures from parts of the body such as hands. These points were revolutionary for his time, and inspired a generation of artist who studied under him in his studio. 
Featuring examples of the artist’s most eminent works, such as Saint John the Baptist Preaching (1878), and Jean d’Aire (1886), this exhibition looks beyond Rodin’s popular persona as the tormented Romantic genius, revealing his extraordinary powers of observation and ability to capture emotion and movement. True Nature also includes major paintings such as Claude Monet’s Nympheas (circa 1897-1898), Paul Cézanne’s Still Life with Cherries and Peaches (1885-1887), and Edgar Degas’s The Bellelli Sisters (1865-1866). Consummate photographs, drawings, and sculptures by other masters of the period also join the exhibition.
This exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Follow Museum of Fine Arts on Facebook and Instagram for info on upcoming events.
What to read next:
- Taylor Sam’s brings New Jersey brunch staple to Tampa Bay
- Water Street Tampa announces European-style street market
- Tickets now on sale for Cross-Bay Ferry
- Sucre Table is the top bakery in Tampa
- Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival set for February
- Tampa will have 49 pickleball courts by 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
