French school (18th Century) – The Burghers of Calais

Out of stock

Red and black chalk with sepia wash on laid Paper: Arms of Amsterdam watermark, laid onto a thick sheet of hand-made paper with decorative gold border: Mounted.

Description

In the early part of the Hundred Years’ War, Edward III of England conducted a siege of Calais that lasted close to a year. Eventually, in August 1347, the inhabitants of Calais surrendered to the English forces. Edward III demanded that six of the most prominent citizens (burghers) leave the city with nooses around their necks, carrying the keys to the city. Six Calais citizens walked out to meet the king barefoot, in rags, gaunt from a year of near-starvation. Edward ordered that they be beheaded. His wife, however, intervened.

Additional information

Image

10 1/8 in x 15 3/4 in. (26 cm x 40 cm.)

Frame or Mount

Mount: 16 1/8 in x 21 1/4 in. (41 cm x 54 cm.)

Brand

Unidentified / Unknown Artist