The Burghers of Calais

Parkway

Rodin Museum

The Burghers of Calais

Modeled 1884-1895; cast 1919-1921

Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917) Cast by the founder Alexis Rudier, Paris (1874–1952)

In 1346 the English king Edward III laid siege to the French port of Calais. Eleven months later, Edward demanded the surrender of six of the town’s leading men, or burghers, in return for sparing its citizens. Rodin’s sculpture commemorates this episode and emphasizes the internal struggle of each man as he walks toward his fate wearing a sackcloth and rope halter. The burghers were later spared thanks to the intervention of the English queen, who feared that their deaths would bring bad luck to her unborn child.

Rodin Museum, Parkway

Object Details

Titles:

The Burghers of Calais

Date:

Modeled 1884-1895; cast 1919-1921

Artists:

Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917) Cast by the founder Alexis Rudier, Paris (1874–1952)

Medium:

Bronze

Dimensions:

6 feet 10 1/2 inches × 7 feet 10 inches × 6 feet 3 inches (209.6 × 238.8 × 190.5 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Bequest of Jules E. Mastbaum, 1929

Accession Number:

F1929-7-129

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Parkway

Rodin Museum