Attachment, Intimacy and Love in Camille Rosalie Claudel’s Life: A Psychobiographic Investigation

Camille Rosalie Claudel was one of the most important and creative sculptresses of 19th- and 20th-century France. Her life and work were strongly influenced by her love affair with Auguste Rodin, a famous sculptor of the time. The relationship ended, and Claudel was later taken to a psychiatric clinic by her family, where she spent the last 30 years of her life. Many individuals have written about this love affair and its effect on Claudel; however, to date, her life has not been analysed or interpreted in terms of attachment theories, intimacy, and love. Therefore, this article explores attachment and attachment style in the context of intimacy and love in Claudel’s life. The research methodology used in this research is psychobiography; the research paradigm is hermeneutic–interpretivist while Camille Rosalie Claudel is chosen purposefully as a subject of research. Findings show that the development of love, intimacy, and attachment throughout Claudel’s lifetime was complex and strongly affected many aspects of her life, such as her relationship with her parents and siblings, her romantic love relationship with Rodin, her work, her art, and her personal development. Conclusions are drawn, and recommendations are given.