Auguste Rodin's The Burghers of Calais (1884-1889) represents the idea of freedom from oppression. It tells the story of the siege of Calais in 1347, during the Hundred Years War. One full year ahead the town had already been surrounded by English soldiers under King Edward III who wanted now his five souls to be put to death first.
Kenneth Clark has described the work as "Romantic man at the end of his rope."
