Final answer:
Rodin is commonly called 'the father of modern sculpture' due to his groundbreaking approach to art, which emphasized realism and expressive detail. His famous work 'The Thinker' reflects his innovative style that has significantly influenced modern sculpture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Due to his innovative ways of creating art, Rodin is commonly called the father of modern sculpture. Auguste Rodin, a French sculptor, is renowned for his revolutionary approach to sculpting, which marked a significant shift from the classical methods of the 19th century to the more expressive and realistic portrayal of the human form.
His work signified a departure from the mythological and allegorical themes of his era, instead focusing on realism and psychological expression within the human body. Rodin's most famous piece, The Thinker, is emblematic of this new approach to sculpture and has become an icon of philosophical introspection.
Often compared with Impressionist artists for his use of complex, deeply pocketed surfaces that evoke gestural movement, Rodin's sculptures, such as The Burghers of Calais, portrayed human emotion and struggle with a realism unlike any of his contemporaries. This profound and realistic approach to sculpture has led many to view Rodin as the most significant sculptor of modern times and a forefather to modern sculpture.