Het DNA van de Polder

Het DNA van de Polder (The DNA of the Polder), a work by Albert De Vree, was created in 2019 to mark the 900th anniversary of the polder villages Berendrecht and Zandvliet. The monument, located at the corner of Derdeweg and Zoutestraat in Zandvliet, symbolises the bond of the two villages with the Scheldt and their rich history. 

The sculpture, made of stainless steel, consists of nine welded connections, referring both to the nine parts of a human DNA profile and to the 900 years of the district. At the very bottom is a reference to industry, an important factor since the two villages lie in the shadow of the Port of Antwerp. Above that are references to folklore and sport, such as the Ganzenrijders (Goose riders) and Hanske Knap. Other symbols include poaching and smuggling, fishing, and the close bond between Berendrecht and Zandvliet since 1328. 

At the top are rats (ratten), the nickname of the Berendrecht residents, and lapwings (kieviten), the nickname of the Zandvliet residents. Higher still is a heron’s nest, since Berendrecht is home to a large heron colony. Crowning the sculpture are tulips, an important flower for the region. 

Albert De Vree (b. 1942) is a local artist known for works that reflect a strong connection with the community and the history of the polder villages.