The Burghers of Calais 1895

"The Burghers of Calais" is a bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin, completed in 1895, that depicts six citizens of Calais offering themselves as hostages to the English during the Hundred Years' War. The sculpture, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a powerful testament to the human condition, capturing the despair and courage of the citizens. Rodin's work is known for its realism and emotional intensity, and this piece exemplifies both. The figures are rendered in a naturalistic style, their expressions and poses reflecting the weight of their sacrifice. "The Burghers of Calais" is a moving reminder of the sacrifices made in times of war and the enduring power of human resilience.