Rodin

The citizens of Calais - Rodin

Cities in the past were protected by fortifications, but also vulnerable, once put under siege by a determined conqueror. Stefan Zweig describes in realistic terms how Constaninople fell to the Sultan due to the Kerka door having been left open, and once Turkish troops entered the other impenetrable wall, a shout went through the city: "The Turks have taken the city." That lead to a self defeat even though in real terms that small troop could have been beaten back and the door closed again.

Rodin has been described by Rilke who was his personal secretary for some time. They met when Rilke was 25 years old. A prime topic of their correspondence was to what extent the face reflects the soul of a person.

Rodin worked on many studies before he would finalize his work. The best example for this endurance of work and trying out is his attempt to sculpture Balzac. The thinker was a challenge and an opportunity to highlight the difference between downcast eyes, looking straight ahead as someone who is determined, and as someone who looks up into the sky due to having been inspired. These three positions as gestures are significant for Rodin when giving shape to what his hands can feel when matter is formed into a figure.

The Citizens of Calais is a remarkable work as it depicts citizens who are willing to sacrifice themselves by handing over the key to the conqueror, so as to beg for mercy and if not, then even they meet certain death, that the city is spared from destruction.

^ Top

« Sculpture | Balzac by Rodin »

Ποιειν Και Πραττειν - create and do

Navigation

Rodin