Jean de Fiennes

Jean de Fiennes is one of six figures that comprise Rodin’s monumental The Burghers of Calais. In 1347, Jean de Fiennes was captain of the town of Calais. After a six-month siege, he opened the city gates and—with five of his peers—came into the presence of Edward III. Jean offered the king the keys to the city and a request for mercy and pardon for Calais’ citizens. Edward accepted the offer and, through the intervention of the English queen, Philippa of Hainault, he ultimately spared the lives of the burghers. Rodin perceived Jean de Fiennes to be the youngest member of the group and he is portrayed with a youthful body and long, wavy hair.