The Burghers of Calais, in Calais France, is a sculpture by Auguste Rodin and was fully completed in 1889. It is one of Rodins' most famous sculptures, and it serves as a dedication to an event during the Hundred Years War.
As far as anyone knows, King Edward III of England brought his men onto Calais and laid siege. Philip VI (France) ordered that the city shall stand no matter the costs. Although Edward had not fully taken the city, starvation from surrounding it led to to King Edward's proposal.
King Edward purposed that if any six of its top leaders walked out almost naked, nooses around their necks, and have keys to the city and the castle he would leave the city. Eustache de Saint Pierre, volunteered first, then five others came and stripped down to their under garments.
So the sculpture symbolizes the moment these six men stand at the gate humiliated.
After word, however, expecting to be killed the Burghers of Calais where sent free for Queen Philippa of Hainault thought it was a bad omen for her unborn child. She asked King Edward to spare them their lives, and he did.
Go Ahead and check out some related Links. (All following links are "Wiki" links and only cover the broad spectrum of each individual link. They should serve well to the majority)
Learn about Calais
Edward III
Philippa of Hainault
Hundred Years War
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