Firmly sheltered in place on the Main Quad since the 1990s, Auguste Rodin’s Burghers of Calais represents quite a selfless lot. In 1346, during the Hundred Years’ War, England’s King Edward III besieged the French town of Calais. After nearly a year, six leading citizens—the burghers—begged the king to execute them alone and spare their people. Edward took the bargain, whereupon his queen, Philippa, interceded and saved the burghers’ lives. Rodin chose to immortalize the moment of crisis, preserving their anguish in bronze. But we know how their altruistic act ended: The efforts of a few saved the lives of many.
Photo: Summer Moore Batte, ’99
