A rope around their leader’s neck, the men depicted in this late 19th century piece seem resigned to death, but in the end they survived

The Final Jeopardy clue for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, fell under the category European Artwork and read: “A rope around their leader’s neck, the men depicted in this late 19th-century piece seem resigned to death, but in the end they survived.”

What is The Burghers of Calais?

This well-known sculpture by French artist Auguste Rodin captures a dramatic moment from the Hundred Years’ War. Commissioned in 1884 and completed in 1889, The Burghers of Calais commemorates the six prominent citizens of Calais who, according to history, volunteered to sacrifice themselves to save their city from English forces led by King Edward III. While they expected to face execution, their lives were ultimately spared, making their story one of both courage and unexpected survival.

The Historical Event Behind the Sculpture

Rodin’s sculpture is based on a real event that took place in 1347 during the Siege of Calais. After nearly a year of resistance, the French city was on the verge of collapse, with starvation and suffering taking a toll on its people. To prevent further devastation, King Edward III offered to spare the city if six of its leading citizens, or burghers, surrendered to him. These men, led by Eustache de Saint Pierre, walked out of Calais barefoot, wearing sackcloth, with ropes around their necks—prepared to die for their people.

However, the expected execution never took place. According to historical accounts, the English queen, Philippa of Hainault, intervened, pleading for mercy on the burghers’ behalf. Moved by her request, King Edward III decided to spare them. This moment of unexpected clemency stands in stark contrast to the solemn resignation seen in Rodin’s depiction, making the artwork a powerful representation of sacrifice, duty, and human emotion.

Rodin’s Unique Approach to the Sculpture

Auguste Rodin’s interpretation of this event broke from traditional heroic depictions. Rather than portraying the burghers as triumphant or idealized figures, he chose to focus on their suffering and internal turmoil. Each man in the sculpture displays a different emotional response—anguish, resignation, despair—highlighting their individual struggles rather than treating them as a singular unit.

The sculpture also defied convention by placing all six men at the same level, rather than on a pedestal, making them appear more human and accessible to viewers. Rodin’s unconventional design was met with resistance at first, as officials in Calais expected a more traditional monument. Nevertheless, the work became one of his most celebrated pieces and is now regarded as a masterpiece of modern sculpture.

The Legacy of The Burghers of Calais

Today, multiple casts of The Burghers of Calais exist in museums and public spaces around the world, including in Calais, Paris, London, and Washington, D.C. The sculpture continues to be studied and admired for its emotional depth and innovative composition. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the complexities of heroism, as well as the power of art to capture the nuances of history.

Rodin’s work stands as one of the most poignant sculptures of the late 19th century, blending historical narrative with raw human expression. Through The Burghers of Calais, he transformed a centuries-old event into a deeply moving visual experience that continues to resonate with audiences today.