The Burghers of Calais by Auguste Rodin (Calais, France — 1889) — Questions and answers
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What did Rodin originally want for the placement of 'The Burghers of Calais' sculpture?
Choices
- At ground level so people could walk among the figures. ✓
- On a very tall pedestal so everyone could see it from far away.
- Inside a museum where it would be safe from the weather.
- Floating in a fountain in the town square.
Answer: At ground level so people could walk among the figures.
From page 1
Which famous sculptor's work in Italy amazed Rodin and changed his art?
Choices
- Michelangelo ✓
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
- Eustache de Saint Pierre
Answer: Michelangelo
From page 5
What surprising thing did some critics accuse Rodin of doing with his sculpture 'The Age of Bronze'?
Choices
- They accused him of making a copy directly from a real person. ✓
- They said his sculpture was too small to be important.
- They thought he painted the sculpture the wrong color.
- They believed he stole the idea from another artist.
Answer: They accused him of making a copy directly from a real person.
From page 6
What kind of statue did the town council of Calais originally want Rodin to create?
Choices
- A traditional, heroic statue to show triumph. ✓
- A statue that showed people in despair and sadness.
- A small, quiet statue for a garden.
- A statue that looked exactly like real people.
Answer: A traditional, heroic statue to show triumph.
From page 7
What did Rodin want to show about the burghers in his sculpture, instead of just their glory?
Choices
- Their humanity—their fear, resignation, and profound sadness. ✓
- Their strong muscles and brave smiles.
- Their fancy clothes and expensive jewels.
- Their clever plans to trick the king.
Answer: Their humanity—their fear, resignation, and profound sadness.
From page 8
What did some critics say about Rodin's finished sculpture, 'The Burghers of Calais'?
Choices
- They criticized it for not showing traditional heroism. ✓
- They praised it for being so cheerful and happy.
- They thought it was too small to be a monument.
- They believed it was exactly what the town council asked for.
Answer: They criticized it for not showing traditional heroism.
From page 9
What does 'The Burghers of Calais' remind us about true heroism?
Choices
- True heroism often lies in times of great sadness or despair. ✓
- True heroism is always about winning a big battle.
- True heroism means never feeling any fear.
- True heroism is only found in old stories, not today.
Answer: True heroism often lies in times of great sadness or despair.
From page 10