The Burghers of Calais From Above

This painting is based upon a famous sculpture by Rodin. This bronze is on display at the Metropolitan and is one of Rodin’s landmark pieces. It was commissioned to memorialize the tragic tale of the city of Calais which was overtaken by King Edward III. The city elders of Calais offered themselves up as sacrifice to the king’s troops to preclude the slaughter of the town’s women and children. The statue seems a fitting condemnation of imperialism in all its manifestations. The artist has painted the sculpture from above providing a unique perspective and is retelling the story as if it were an ominous warning.