The Burghers of Calais

Auguste Rodin received the commission for The Burghers of Calais in 1884 from the city of Calais. The sculpture commemorates a moment of sacrifice from 1347, when six prominent citizens volunteered to surrender themselves to England's King Edward III to save their besieged city. Led by Eustache de Saint Pierre, the men walked out wearing nooses, expecting execution. Queen Philippa intervened and spared their lives.

Rodin's design broke with tradition by depicting all six figures rather than just the leader, and by showing them in states of anguish rather than heroic triumph. He enlarged their hands, heads, and feet to heighten emotional impact. The bronze monument stands 217 centimeters tall and was intended to be placed at ground level so viewers could walk among the figures. The city initially installed it on a high pedestal, but later moved it to a lower base outside Calais Town Hall. Casts are displayed at the Musée Rodin and museums worldwide.