RODIN - Review

Arts & Activities, May, 2001 by B.H.

[A-V/VISUAL/CD-ROM]: RODIN. CD-ROM/$29.95. Level: High School through Adult. Crystal Productions, P.O. Box 2159, Glenview, IL 600256159, (800) 255-8629.

This thorough CD-ROM is divided into three parts, and features Rodin's sculptures, drawings, photographs and other artworks. Using images and informative commentary, the program begins with the "Visit," an overview of Rodin's art organized under nine headings: "Introduction," "Age of Bronze," "St. John the Baptist," "Gates of Hell," "Burghers of Calais," "Camille Claudel," "Victor Hugo," "Balzac, Rodin and Women" and "The Garden."

The second part, titled "Works," groups Rodin's sculptures and shows preparatory studies. Over 500 images are accompanied by comments regarding the history of each work. The last part, the "SBook," gives an extensive look at Rodin's life and work, his motivations, his plastic and literary sources, and his interest in dance and the East. The only drawback to this comprehensive CD-ROM is that the small animation box in the upper left corner is not large enough to show details of the works.-B.H. For information about this program, circle No. 396 on the Reader Service Card.