The Burghers of Calais

The Burghers of Calais, known locally as Les Bourgeois de Calais, is a monumental sculpture by the renowned French artist Auguste Rodin. This powerful piece stands as a testament to the bravery and self-sacrifice of six citizens of Calais during the Hundred Years' War. Located in the northern French city of Calais, this sculpture is an evocative and must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, art, or the human spirit.

The Historical Context

In June 1346, during the turbulent period of the Hundred Years' War, King Edward III of England laid siege to the French port city of Calais. After enduring an eleven-month blockade, the city was on the brink of starvation. According to the chronicles of Jean Froissart, six of the city's most prominent citizens—Eustache de Saint Pierre, Jean d’Aire, Jacques and Pierre de Wissant, Jean de Fiennes, and Andrieu d’Andres—volunteered to surrender themselves to the English king in exchange for sparing the city’s inhabitants. The six burghers, dressed in sackcloth and with nooses around their necks, were prepared to face execution. However, their lives were spared at the last moment by the intervention of Edward's queen, Philippa of Hainault, who persuaded her husband to show mercy.

Rodin’s Masterpiece

In 1884, the city of Calais commissioned Auguste Rodin to create a monument to commemorate the heroism of these six men. Rodin, known for his expressive and often controversial works, approached the project with a vision that broke away from traditional heroic statuary. Instead of depicting the burghers as triumphant or glorified figures, he chose to represent them in a moment of profound human vulnerability and emotional turmoil. The result was a sculpture that captured the raw emotion and inner conflict of these men as they faced their fate.

The Sculpture's Composition

The Burghers of Calais is a bronze sculpture that stands approximately 2.19 meters high, 2.35 meters wide, and 1.78 meters deep. The figures are arranged in a tight group, yet each one is portrayed with a distinct posture and expression, emphasizing their individuality and the gravity of their sacrifice. Eustache de Saint Pierre, the leader, stands at the forefront, his hand raised in a gesture of resignation. Jean d’Aire holds the keys to the city, a symbol of their surrender. The other figures display a range of emotions from despair to determination, their bodies weighed down by the heavy robes they wear, which Rodin has rendered with remarkable detail and texture.

Rodin’s Artistic Vision

Rodin's decision to place the figures on the ground level, rather than on a pedestal, was a radical departure from the norm and initially met with resistance. He wanted the viewers to engage with the sculpture on a personal level, to feel the same sense of immediacy and empathy that he had poured into the work. The texture of the bronze, with its rough surfaces and deep lines, adds to the emotional intensity of the piece. Rodin emphasized the hands and feet of the burghers, enlarging them slightly to draw attention to their physical and emotional burden.

The Journey to Installation

The journey to the installation of The Burghers of Calais was not without its challenges. Although Rodin completed the plaster model in 1889, it took several more years of negotiations and adjustments before the bronze cast was finally installed in 1895. The original placement of the sculpture was on a Gothic-style pedestal, but in 1924, the city of Calais honored Rodin's initial vision by removing the pedestal and placing the sculpture directly on the ground in front of the town hall, where it remains today.

Global Impact and Replicas

The Burghers of Calais has had a profound impact on the world of sculpture and public monuments. Its realism and emotional depth have influenced countless artists and continue to resonate with audiences today. There are twelve known casts of the sculpture, located in cities around the world, including London, Paris, Philadelphia, and Tokyo. Each cast serves as a reminder of the universal themes of sacrifice, courage, and the human condition.

Visiting The Burghers of Calais

A visit to Calais is incomplete without seeing The Burghers of Calais. As you stand before this powerful sculpture, take a moment to reflect on the story it tells and the emotions it evokes. The nearby Jardin du Front Sud offers a peaceful setting to contemplate the significance of the monument and its place in history. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, The Burghers of Calais is a moving and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of human resilience and compassion.

In conclusion, The Burghers of Calais is not just a sculpture; it is a poignant reminder of the strength and sacrifice of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Rodin's masterpiece continues to inspire and move visitors from around the world, making it a must-see landmark in the charming city of Calais.