Auguste Rodin was a French sculptor known for his innovative use of form and his ability to capture the essence of the human form. He was born in 1840 in Paris, France, and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He is best known for his sculptures such as The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. Rodin's work challenged the conventions of his time and had a significant influence on the development of modern sculpture. He is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 19th century and his work continues to inspire sculptors today. Rodin also trained many important sculptors such as Antoine Bourdelle and Camille Claudel.