What historical event does The Burghers of Calais depict?

The sculpture shows six citizens of Calais who volunteered to die in 1347 to save their city from English siege. Rodin depicted them in their moment of anguish as they prepared to surrender to King Edward III.

Where can I see The Burghers of Calais?

The original stands outside Calais Town Hall in France. Bronze casts are displayed at the Musée Rodin in Paris, the Met in New York, and several other major museums worldwide.

Who are the six burghers in the sculpture?

Eustache de Saint Pierre volunteered first, followed by five other prominent citizens of Calais. Rodin depicted each man with distinct expressions of fear, resignation, and courage facing their expected death.

Where Is The Burghers of Calais? See It at Musée Rodin

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.

The Burghers of Calais

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About The Burghers of Calais

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