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
On the February 12, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was “European Artwork”, and the clue challenged contestants to identify a significant late 19th-century piece based on its dramatic depiction of historical figures. The clue 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?
The correct response was “What is The Burghers of Calais?”—a celebrated sculpture by French artist Auguste Rodin, completed in 1889. This work captures a pivotal moment in medieval history and stands as one of Rodin’s most powerful and evocative creations.
Rodin’s sculpture is based on an event from the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453), when the French city of Calais was besieged by the English in 1346–1347. According to historical accounts, after nearly a year under siege, King Edward III of England agreed to spare the city if six of its most prominent citizens, known as burghers, surrendered themselves in chains, dressed in sackcloth, and with ropes around their necks—expecting to be executed.
These six burghers, led by Eustache de Saint Pierre, walked to the English camp prepared to sacrifice themselves. However, legend holds that Edward’s wife, Queen Philippa of Hainault, intervened, persuading him to spare their lives for the sake of mercy. This dramatic moment of surrender and unexpected reprieve is the central theme of Rodin’s sculpture.
Rodin’s Unique Approach to Historical Sculpture
Unlike traditional heroic statues that glorify victory or sacrifice, The Burghers of Calais portrays its subjects in a deeply human and vulnerable state. Rodin chose to depict the six burghers not as triumphant or defiant figures, but as individuals experiencing fear, sorrow, and resignation. Their bodies appear emaciated, their postures are slumped, and their faces express anguish and contemplation.
A distinctive element of Rodin’s work is the absence of a central figure towering over the others. Instead, the six men stand at eye level, arranged in a circular composition that allows viewers to walk around them and witness their emotions from multiple perspectives. This design choice breaks from traditional heroic monument styles and emphasizes the personal suffering of each individual.
The Sculpture’s Impact and Legacy
Commissioned by the city of Calais in 1884, Rodin’s sculpture was initially met with mixed reactions. Some city officials had expected a more conventional monument celebrating the burghers’ bravery. Instead, Rodin’s highly emotional and introspective interpretation challenged the expectations of public memorials at the time. Despite the initial controversy, The Burghers of Calais is now regarded as one of the greatest works of modern sculpture.
Multiple casts of the sculpture exist today, with the original installed in Calais, France, in 1895. Other notable versions are displayed at the Rodin Museum in Paris, the Houses of Parliament in London, and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., among others. These widespread installations highlight the universal significance of the burghers’ story—a testament to courage, sacrifice, and the fragility of fate.
Why The Burghers of Calais Fits the Jeopardy Clue
The clue accurately describes the essence of Rodin’s work. The mention of a rope around their leader’s neck directly references the symbolic chains worn by Eustache de Saint Pierre, signifying the burghers’ willingness to face execution. The phrase “seem resigned to death” captures Rodin’s expressive portrayal of the men’s despair and uncertainty. Finally, “but in the end they survived” reflects the historical reality—despite their presumed fate, the burghers were ultimately spared.
Rodin’s The Burghers of Calais remains a striking example of how art can bring history to life, emphasizing the human experience behind legendary events. Its selection as the Final Jeopardy answer highlights the sculpture’s enduring relevance and impact on European artistic and historical narratives.