The Burghers of Calais

"The Burghers of Calais" is a famous bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin, created between 1884 and 1895. It depicts a pivotal moment during the Hundred Years' War when six citizens of Calais volunteered to surrender themselves to King Edward III to save their town. The sculpture captures their intense emotion, suffering, and resignation, emphasizing human vulnerability and sacrifice. Rodin’s work moves beyond simple heroism to explore themes of duty, courage, and despair, making it a powerful representation of collective sacrifice and personal sacrifice in history.