Auguste Rodin celebrated by Google Doodle A traditional sculptor who eschewed the predominant figure sculpture tradition of the times, Rodin's work was initially unpopular, but gained momentum over the course of his life until he was a world-renowned artist by the time he reached his 60s. His rejection was a significant setback, and after his sister died five years later, when he was 22, he turned away from art, briefly joining a Catholic order. There the abbot enouraged him to devote his life to art, and he went on to work for the sculptor Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. At the same time he met his life partner Rose Beuret, who he did not marry until 1917, the year of his death. His early work was notable for its engagement with the human body and celebration of physicality. His style never changed throughout his career and his work gradually became more and more popular until he became the preeminent French sculptor of his time.