Herdenkingsmonument België Vrij
Josuë Dupon
1905
Details
- Collection: Berchem, War and peace, The collection, Who's who?
- Material: bronze
- Acquisition method: commision
- Object number: KIS.0211
België Vrij (Belgium Free) is a work by Josuë Dupon from 1905 and commemorates the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence. The monument, designed together with architect Emile Thielens, stands on Frederik de Merodeplein in Berchem, Antwerp.
The grand memorial consists of a square pedestal with inscriptions, including “Belgium Free,” and features bas-reliefs, an impressive bronze lion, and a sculptural group depicting the death of Count Frederik de Merode during the Belgian Revolution of 1830. The dying count is flanked by two loyal companions-in-arms. The dramatic and dynamic poses of the three figures earned the monument the playful nickname “the three drunks”.
Josuë Dupon (1864–1935) was a sculptor and engraver, best known for his realistic animal sculptures. He attended evening classes at the Roeselare and Antwerp Academies and later studied at the National Higher Institute of Fine Arts. From 1905 to 1934, he was a professor of sculpture at the Antwerp Academy and a member of the governing board of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
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