David Teniers

The statue of David Teniers, created by Joseph Jacques Ducaju, depicts the painter dressed in flowing contemporary clothing. Wearing a baldric and sword, he carries a heavy cloak over his shoulders. In his left hand he holds the charter granted in 1663 by King Philip IV of Spain, which led to the founding of the Antwerp Academy in 1664. At his left foot lie a painter’s palette, rolled drawings, and a portfolio of papers, topped with a broad-brimmed hat with a feather. The statue was commissioned by the city council. 

The statue of Teniers has stood in several locations. Originally placed in the garden of the Antwerp Academy, it proved cramped in the narrow space, and its pedestal (still present in the garden) appeared disproportionately tall. The statue was later moved to Teniersplaats. On 28 December 1901 it was transferred to the intersection of Van Breestraat, Maria-Henriëttalei, and Rubenslei, where until then the Jacob Jordaens monument had stood. That statue was subsequently relocated to Gemeenteplaats, now Franklin Rooseveltplaats. In 1934, the Teniers statue returned to the Academy garden, and later back again to Teniersplaats, where it still stands today. 

David Teniers (1610–1690) was a Southern Netherlandish painter who left behind an extensive oeuvre of hundreds of works. Although active in many genres, he is especially renowned for his lively depictions of peasant life. 

Joseph Jacques Ducaju (1832–1891) studied at the Antwerp Academy. He specialized in portraits and sculpture, producing several statues and reliefs.