The Burghers of Calais (painting)

The Burghers of Calais is a 1789 history painting by the Anglo-American artist Benjamin West. It depicts a scene from the Siege of Calais in 1347, part of the Hundred Years War. After his victory at the Battle of Crécy the army of Edward III of England advanced on the port of Calais. After a lengthy siege he offered terms that if six of the leading citizens would surrender to him and be executed, he would spare the other inhabitants. However his wife Philippa of Hainault made a plea for mercy on their behalf and they were also spared. The composition emphasises the dignity of the six burghers and the restrained, eloquent appeal for compassion by Phillipa.

The story was a popular one amongst British history painters with works produced by a variety of artists including Richard Westall, Edward Bird and George Jones. French artist Jean-Simon Berthélemy produced a version of the scene as his diploma work and exhibited it at the Salon of 1777. West received a commission from George III to produce a series of eight paintings for the King's Audience Chamber at Windsor Castle, illustrating scenes from Edward's reign. The painting includes Edward's heir Edward the Black Prince in the group standing behind the king. On the opposite side are members of the English Army. The keys to the city and a captured French banner lay before the monarch. West received 500 guineas for this picture, which remains in the Royal Collection.