Camille claudel

You know what black hatred women feel toward me as soon as they see me, until I return inside my shell, they use every possible weapon. As soon as a generous man tries to help me out, a woman is here to hold his arm and prevent him from acting.

My countrymen have commissioned a bust of the Republic. It will be placed on the fountain of my native town.

I have had the problem of seeing my male model go to Italy and... stay there.

If you are nice, and keep your promise, we will be in paradise.

It is in fact agreed that I am the plague, the cholera of the benevolent and generous men who are interested in art and that, when I show myself with my plasters, even the Emperor of the Sahara would flee.

Don't fear anything for your letters, they are burnt one by one and I hope you do the same with mine.

I will never forget my beautiful days with you in Shanklin, they are certainly the most pleasant ones of my life. Look, I have tears in my eyes just to think about it. I am furious to be here, it is the end of happiness for a whole year.

I am in no mood to be deceived any longer by the crafty devil and false character whose greatest pleasure is to take advantage of everyone.

I have fallen into an abyss. I live in a world so curious, so strange. Of the dream that was my life, this is my nightmare.

I don't want to say anything because I know I am unable to protect you from the harm that I see.

When you left on Saturday, I felt a horrible void, I saw you everywhere, on the beach, in your room, in the garden: impossible for me to get used to the idea that you had left.

I am not feeling any better because I cannot stay in bed, having constant cause for walking. They say I leave at night by the window of my tower, hanging from a red umbrella with which I set fire to the forest!

Last night, two men tried to force my shutters. I recognized them: they are two of Rodin's Italian models. He told them to kill me. I am in his way; he wants to get rid of me.

I have been back in Paris for two weeks. Nothing new. Life is still bitter.

I took all my wax studies and threw them in the fire that's the way it is when something unpleasant happens to me. I take my hammer and I squash a figure.

I thank you for your kind invitation to introduce me to the president of the Republic. Since I have not been out of my atelier for two months, I have no appropriate costume for this circumstance. Please excuse me.

I would have preferred to be successful here with a piece that cost me a huge amount of money and effort... rather than sending to Bohemia some ordinary works.

I tolerate my faults but not at all other people's.

There is always something missing that torments me.

I am scared; I don't know what is going to happen to me. What was the point of working so hard and of being talented, to be rewarded like this? Never a penny, tormented all my life. It is horrible; one cannot imagine it.

Send me one hundred francs on our future deals, otherwise I will disappear in a cataclysm.

I have all sorts of problems and feel discouraged.

Sir Rodin convinced my parents to have me committed; they are all in Paris to arrange it.

Madhouses are houses made on purpose to cause suffering . . . I cannot stand any longer the screams of these creatures.

I would prefer to have a more appealing job. If I could still change careers, I would prefer it. This unfortunate art is made for long beards and ugly faces rather than for a relatively well-endowed woman.

I sleep completely naked to make me believe you are here, but when I wake up it is not the same thing. Most of all, don't deceive me with other women any more.

Author details

Camille Claudel: Biography and Life Work

Camille Claudel was a notable Sculptor. The story of Camille Claudel began on 8 December 1864 in Fère-en-Tardenois, Aisne. The legacy of Camille Claudel continues today, following their passing on 19 October 1943 in Montdevergues, Vaucluse.

Camille Rosalie Claudel ( French pronunciation: ⓘ ; 8 December 1864 – 19 October 1943) was a French sculptor known for her figurative works in bronze and marble. She died in relative obscurity. Later in the 20th century, she gained renewed attention and recognition for the originality and quality of her work.

Legacy and Personal Influence

Historically, their work is best remembered for Figurative artwork in bronze and marble.

Philosophical Views and Reflections

Critics in the 21st century such as Elsen, Matthews and Flemming suggest it was her brother Paul who was jealous of her genius. They say that he conspired with her mother, who never forgave her for her supposed immorality, to deny her funds, ruin her, and keep her confined to a mental hospital. Kavaler-Adler notes that Claudel's younger sister Louise, who wanted Camille's share of the inheritance and was also jealous of her, was delighted at her sister's downfall.

Claudel is the subject of the graphic novel Troppo Libera. L'arte, l'amore, la lotta di Camille Claudel ( The Art, Love, and Struggle of Camille Claudel ) by Assia Petricelli and Sergio Riccardi, published in February 2026.

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