Kraanvogels (Cranes)

About this artwork.

The mosaic on the facade of the Beatrixoord building complex depicts two stylized cranes dancing gracefully around each other. The glazed ceramic artwork was a gift from the Association "De Kraanvogels": a group of approximately 2,100 former tuberculosis patients from Beatrixoord. The mosaic was presented in honor of the new construction of the sanatorium in Haren in 1963.

The Japanese crane, called 'tanchôzuru' or 'tsuru' in Japanese, has a red spot on the top of the head and is called red-crown-crane in English. The crane is a symbol of happiness and a long life. According to legends, a crane can live for a thousand years, but in reality this is usually 30 to 40 years. This bird is also a symbol of honor and loyalty. The birds live in pairs and choose their mate for life.
 
George van der Wagt (1921-2007) was born in Rotterdam and was a student at the Academy of Visual Arts from 1943 to 1945. One of his teachers there was John Raedecker. Later on, Van der Wagt assisted him in realizing the National Monument on Dam Square in Amsterdam.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  George van der Wagt

• District
  Haren en omgeving

• Year of creation
  1963

• Art type
  Relief, Art in / on a building

• Material
  Ceramics

• Dimensions
  ca. 360 x 460 cm.