Hirshhorn Museum: Burghers of Calais sculpture by Rodin in Washington, D.C. by Francois Auguste Rene Rodin located in James M. Goode's The Mall area

sculpture

The Burghers of Calais is a bronze sculpture by Francois Auguste Rene Rodin located at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. It commemorates six citizens who offered themselves as hostages during the 1347 siege of Calais to save their city. The sculpture powerfully depicts their sacrifice and the mercy shown by King Edward III's wife. It is part of the Hirshhorn's outdoor collection on The Mall and is a notable example of European historical art in the U.S. capital.