Jean d'Aire, from The Burghers of Calais
Sculpture, full-scale monumental figure • Auguste Rodin (1840–1917)
Style & Movement
Modern Sculpture / Proto-Expressionism / Impressionist Sculpture
Medium & Technique
Plaster (cast from original clay model). Technique involves additive modeling with highly keyed, expressive surface textures and rough handling of the material to convey psychological states.
Creation Period
Original conception circa 1884-1889; this specific plaster cast is a later museum-authorized edition.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 200 x 70 x 60 cm (Life-size/Monumental), vertical standing format.
Subject Description
One of the six citizens of Calais who volunteered to be executed by King Edward III of England in 1347 to save their city. The figure is depicted with rigid, stoic resolve, clenched fists, and a sorrowful but determined facial expression, wearing a simple sackcloth-like texture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. As a museum-displayed plaster, it shows high fidelity to the original mold with minimal visible structural degradation.
Estimated Market Value
While plasters vary, an authorized monumental Rodin plaster holds a value between $500,000 and $1,500,000 depending on the casting date and provenance.
Auction Estimate
$400,000 - $800,000
Provenance History
Likely sourced from the Musée Rodin (Paris) archives or cast by an authorized foundry for institutional display (e.g., Hirshhorn Museum or Metropolitan Museum).
Art Historical Significance
A masterpiece of 19th-century sculpture that broke from heroic neoclassical traditions in favor of raw human emotion. It represents a pivot point toward modernism by emphasizing psychological internal struggle over outward physical idealism.
Notable Features
The exaggerated size of the hands and feet—a signature Rodin trait to emphasize the weight of the figure's burden—and the 'non-finito' quality of the surface texture.
Condition Issues
Stable minor surface abrasions consistent with plaster; some darkening in recessed areas due to dust accumulation over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment with low humidity to prevent plaster softening; use non-directional cool LED lighting to highlight the expressive surface modeling; avoid physical contact as plaster is porous and sensitive to oils.