Figure of a Boy (Jongensfiguur)

About this artwork.

The sculpture represents a young yet already powerful figure. Ludwig Oswald Wenckebach (the family originally came from Germany) started his career as an artist with woodcuts and lithography. From 1927 onwards, he mainly created sculptures. From the beginning, he strived for a sleek, controlled design. Greek sculpture from the fifth century BC was an inspiring example for him in his work.
 
There are three sculptures by Van Wenckebach in the city. In addition to Figure of a Boy, there's also St. George and the Dragon, the war monument at the Martinikerkhof and the Reclining Woman at the Selwerderhof cemetery. What connects these works is the classic form. In 1934, just before the creation of the Reclining Woman, he made a short tour of Greece, followed by a five-month stay in 1938. 
 
For many, Ludwig Oswald Wenckebach is the creator of Monsieur Jacques. This piece of art can be found both in Rotterdam at the City Hall and at the Kröller-Möller Museum in Otterlo. Thanks to press, radio and television, this became the most famous image of the World Expo in Brussels.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Ludwig Oswald Wenckebach

• District
  Oosterparkwijk

• Year of creation
  1954

• Art type
  Freestanding sculpture

• Material
  Bronze, Natural stone

• Dimensions
  h 1,80 m; sokkel h 0,72 m