Leeuwin met welp
Josuë Dupon
1908
Details
- Collection: Animal sculpture, Berchem, The collection
- Material: bronze
- Acquisition method: acquisition
- Object number: KIS.0213
Leeuwin met welp (Lioness with Cub), a bronze sculpture by Josuë Dupon from 1908, depicts a reclining lioness, watchful and protective, with her cub nestled closely against her. The work is crafted with great skill, with special attention to anatomy, skin texture and expression. This careful rendering reflects Dupon’s mastery of animal sculpture, in which he consistently captured the character of the animal in a dynamic yet restrained composition.
The sculpture was initially placed at the junction of Gitschotellei and Diksmuidelaan, at the artist’s request. Originally on loan, it was not officially acquired by the former municipality of Berchem until 1953, through Dupon’s daughters. Due to the construction of the Antwerp Ring Road in the 1950s, the sculpture had to be relocated. Since then, it has had a permanent place on Fruithoflaan, where it stands out through its quiet presence in the streetscape.
Josuë Dupon (1864–1935) was a sculptor and engraver, best known for his realistic animal sculptures. He took evening classes at the Roeselare and Antwerp Academies and later studied at the National Higher Institute of Fine Arts. From 1905 to 1934, he taught sculpture at the Antwerp Academy and was a member of the governing board of the Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
From the same artist
Josuë Dupon
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