The experience of working as a craftsman allowed Rodin to master almost all the skills necessary for a sculptor, making Rodin also a prolific artist. In 1875 Rodin made a trip to Italy. This trip had a profound influence on Rodin's artistic development. In Italy, Rodin was deeply attracted to the work of Michelangelo and Donatello. After returning to Paris in 1877, Rodin gradually stopped working as a commercial sculptor and began his independent composition. Rodin's first major sculpture, known as The Bronze Age, was initially criticized for having made the sculpture by modeling it from a live model. Eventually his reputation was restored and the statue was purchased by the French government. The same thing also happened to his second sculpture, St. John the Baptist in a walking state. In 1883, Rodin first met Camille Claudel who later became his student, collaborator, lover and subject of Rodin's works. Both Rodin and Camille benefited greatly from their meeting. According to Rodin, for a long time, he had been looking for a girl like Camille who had the gift of sculpture and was able to receive teachings from Rodin. On Camille's part, Rodin was a master in the art of sculpture. Rodin