Rodin was an influential French sculptor in the late 19th century known for his rough, textured sculptures that depicted subjects with great psychological depth. Some of his most famous works include The Kiss and The Gates of Hell. He helped establish sculpture as an independent art form and influenced 20th century sculpture with his impressionistic style featuring irregular surfaces and intertwining forms. His student, Camille Claudel, was also a talented sculptor but struggled for recognition in the shadow of her master, and later suffered from mental illness.