In 1884, the city of Calais commissioned Rodin to make a monument for the six burghers of Calais who in 1347 offered themselves as hostages to the English King Edward III after he besieged the city for eleven months. Rodin’s study of Eustache de Saint Pierre, the eldest of the group and the first to volunteer, suggests both bravery and fear.
Rodin ennobles the sombre figure with determination and energy in the deep contours of the head. Influenced by eighteenth century theories of regional physiognomies, Rodin modelled the historical figure on his friend the artist Jean-Charles Cazin who originated from Pas-de-Calais.
Rodin's sculpture depicts the head of Eustache de Saint Pierre in a highly expressive and emotional manner. The face is marked with deep lines, portraying the character's suffering, anguish, and resolve. The artist skillfully captures the inner turmoil and the weight of the decision faced by Eustache de Saint Pierre.
