Cycling lesson (Fietsles)

About this artwork.

In this work of art, Kees Verkade has nicely depicted the dynamics and shaky mobility of a cycling lesson. The power of the pushing father speaks from his stooped posture and big step. The small child holds the handlebars of the bicycle with the big wheels but barely restrained. The traces of the sculpture Verkade are still clearly visible in the cast bronze, which contributes to the dynamic character of the work.
 
It is a fragile and vulnerable image, with a history of disappearance and destruction. When the Bondsspaarbank, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary, donated Cycling lesson to the Municipality of Groningen in 1971, it was given a place in the busy Vismarkt. It stood there relatively quietly for ten years, until it was stolen and severely damaged twice between 1981 and 1983. Each time the police found the missing parts and the work of art could be restored. In 1986 the sculpture was moved to its current location, the Ubbo Emmiussingel.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Kees Verkade

• District
  Centrum

• Year of creation
  1970

• Art type
  Freestanding sculpture

• Material
  Bronze

• Dimensions
  h 1,50 x b 1,35 x d 0,90 m; sokkel h 0,10 x b 0,88 x d 0,88 m