In a startling admission, officials at Glasgow Museums have disclosed that a significant sculpture by the renowned French artist Auguste Rodin has mysteriously vanished. According to a recent freedom of information request, the statue purchased by the City of Glasgow in 1901 is a plaster version of his iconic ‘Les Bourgeois de Calais’, acquired by the museum for what would today amount to £3m million. A number of bronze and plaster versions of the statue exist around the world, including one in Parliament Square, London.
Jérôme le Blay from The Comité Rodin expressed regret over the statue’s disappearance. The loss has also been labelled as “shameful” by the Paris-based Comite Rodin, an organisation dedicated to cataloguing and promoting Rodin’s works.
The museum has also admitted nearly 1,750 items as “missing or stolen” over the years, shedding light on a more significant issue of art security within the institution. The missing sculpture reportedly suffered damages during an open-air exhibition in 1949, adding to the intrigue surrounding its disappearance.
Historical records reveal a close connection between Rodin and Glasgow. In 1906, the esteemed artist was bestowed an honorary doctorate by Glasgow University. In gratitude, Rodin gifted a bust titled ‘Saint George’ to Glasgow’s Hunterian Art Gallery.
Correspondence between Rodin and Francis Newbury, the visionary founder of the Glasgow School of Art, indicates their dialogue dating back to 1901. Rodin had even requested Newbury’s insights into the reception of his sculptures during the Glasgow International exhibition of that year.
During this exhibition, Glasgow Museums acquired two significant works: a plaster cast of ‘Saint John the Baptist’ and a cast of the ‘Burghers of Calais.’ It is this latter piece, Les Bourgeois de Calais, that has now vanished, leaving curators perplexed.
As investigations unfold and the search for the missing masterpiece intensifies, questions about the security protocols within Glasgow Museums and the fate of this invaluable artwork continue to loom large. The disappearance of Rodin’s masterpiece underscores the challenges faced by museums globally, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and protective measures to safeguard cultural treasures for future generations.
The Burghers of Calais: A Monument of Sacrifice and Heroism
“The Burghers of Calais,” one of Auguste Rodin’s most celebrated sculptures, is a testament to human courage and sacrifice. This monumental artwork tells the gripping tale of heroism during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France, specifically during the siege of Calais in 1347.
The story behind the sculpture dates back to the 14th century when Calais, a strategic port city in France, was under siege by the English forces led by King Edward III. The siege had endured for almost a year, causing immense suffering to the people of Calais. The English king demanded surrender, determined to break the city’s spirit.
Eustache de Saint Pierre, the city’s wealthiest citizen and five other prominent burghers volunteered to sacrifice themselves to save their fellow citizens. These six men offered to surrender to the English king, wearing nooses around their necks and carrying the keys to the city and the castle. Their selfless act moved the English queen, Philippa of Hainault, who pleaded with her husband to spare their lives. The burghers’ bravery ultimately led to their pardon.
In the late 19th century, the story of the Burghers of Calais captured the imagination of the renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Commissioned to create a sculpture representing this heroic event in 1884, Rodin meticulously crafted each figure to convey their individuality and the emotional weight of their sacrifice.
The sculpture depicts the six burghers, barefoot and emaciated, walking towards their fate. Each figure exudes a distinct personality and emotion – defiance, resignation, determination – capturing the complex range of human experience. The composition evokes profound empathy and admiration for these brave men.
Rodin’s “The Burghers of Calais” was completed in 1889 and received praise and controversy upon its unveiling. Its departure from conventional heroic depictions of public monuments startled some viewers, but over time, it became recognised as a masterpiece of modern sculpture.
Today, “The Burghers of Calais” symbolises selflessness and courage, reminding viewers of the enduring human spirit even in the face of adversity. This extraordinary sculpture inspires audiences worldwide, immortalising the sacrifice of these six brave souls for generations to come.
Auguste Rodin: Sculpting the Soul of Modern Art
Auguste Rodin, born on November 12, 1840, in Paris, France, is renowned as one of the most influential sculptors of the modern era. His revolutionary approach to sculpture, characterised by a profound understanding of human anatomy and emotions, redefined the art form and left an indelible mark on the art world.
Rodin’s journey into art began at a young age. He was rejected multiple times by the École des Beaux-Arts, the prestigious art school in Paris, which led him to work as a craftsman and ornament maker. Despite these setbacks, Rodin’s talent and determination shone through. His breakthrough came in the 1877 Salon with his sculpture “The Vanquished,” which showcased his exceptional skill in capturing raw, human emotion.
One of Rodin’s most iconic works, “The Thinker,” was initially conceived as a part of a larger composition titled “The Gates of Hell.” This powerful sculpture, depicting a man lost in contemplation, symbolises intellectual and philosophical inquiry.
Rodin’s approach to sculpture was groundbreaking. He departed from the traditional, idealised forms prevalent in the 19th century, instead embracing the imperfections and complexities of the human body and psyche. His sculptures, often characterised by their dynamic and expressive compositions, captured the essence of human experience with unmatched sensitivity.
“The Kiss” and “The Burghers of Calais” are among his other notable masterpieces, each exhibiting his ability to convey profound emotion through stone and bronze. His artistry extended beyond individual sculptures; he pioneered assemblage, creating compositions from fragments and multiple figures.
Throughout his career, Rodin’s work faced both admiration and controversy. He challenged the conventional norms of his time, earning him a reputation as a radical artist. His later years were marked by international recognition and honours, including a retrospective exhibition at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1900.
Auguste Rodin’s legacy continues to inspire generations of artists. His ability to infuse life and emotion into his sculptures remains unparalleled, making him a beacon of artistic innovation. He passed away on November 17, 1917, but his creations endure, reminding the world of the timeless power of art to evoke the depths of the human soul.
Top Photo: P C Robinson © Artlyst 2023