Love Letter from Rodin to Camille Claudel, 1886: "My ferocious friend.."

"My ferocious friend".... "

Thus begins Rodin’s desperate cry of love to Camille Claudel in the early years of their relationship.

Rodin was soon captivated by this pupil who became his assistant, mistress and muse, while Claudel outwardly remained in complete control of her feelings.

Consumed and tormented by an obsessive love, he implores her - “on his knees” - to ease his suffering from beginning to end of this letter, written in a muddled style, with erroneous syntax and imperfect spelling.

It is a unique document in which Rodin, overwhelmed by his feelings, has no other choice but to open his heart sincerely and truthfully.

The rare documents in the museum archives - five letters from Rodin and about fifteen from Camille Claudel - often elated in tone, attest to this very intense and troubled relationship whose tragic ending is well known. | © Musée Rodin, Paris

Paris, 1886

"This morning I ran around (for hours) to all our spots without finding you.Death would be sweeter!

And how long is my agony.

Why didn’t you wait for me in the atelier, where are you going? (…)

In a single instant I feel your terrible force.

Have pity, mean girl. I can’t go on.

I can’t go another day without seeing you.

Atrocious madness, it’s the end, I won’t be able to work anymore.

Malevolent goddess, and yet I love you furiously…

(…) Let me see you every day, which would be a good idea and might make me better, for only you can save me with your generosity.

Don’t let this slow and hideous sickness overtake my intelligence, the ardened and pure love I have for you - in short, have pity, my beloved, and you will be rewarded..." Rodin

Auguste Rodin | L'Adieu /Farewell, 1898 | Musée Rodin, Paris