Pierre de Wiessant

Auguste Rodin|Alexis Rudier

modeled 1885, cast ca. 1900–1907 · Bronze, brown patina · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This is a reduced version of one of the figures of the monumental group The Burghers of Calais (see 1989.407). The tension of Pierre de Wiessant’s twisted stance announces his conflicted state as he approaches his own demise. The left side of his body stands erect, proceeding toward the enemy English camp while his right side pivots backward, his foot dragging behind him. Raising a large splayed hand, he shields his gaze from his fate.

Artist

Auguste Rodin|Alexis Rudier

Date

modeled 1885, cast ca. 1900–1907

Medium

Bronze, brown patina

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Susan Vanderpoel Clark, 1967