Saint Martin, Bernlef, Agricola (Sint Maarten, Bernlef, Agricola)

About this artwork.

The three sculptures all have a relationship with Groningen. In the middle stands Saint Martin, who lived in the fourth century and became Bishop of Tours at a later age. He is the patron saint of Groningen and can be recognised by his sword, which he used to cut his cloak in two to give a part to a beggar. On the left is Bernlef, a blind Frisian singer/poet who lived in the eighth century. At a later age in particular, he became famous in Groningen and Friesland with his spiritual songs. He is supposed to have been cured of his blindness by the preacher, Liudger. Together they are meant to have travelled across the North to bring the song of the Gospel. However, nothing of either his “pagan” songs or psalms has survived. He holds a harp in both hands for recognition. 
 
On the right is “Rudolf Agricola”. He was born in 1443 in Baflo, Groningen under the name Roelof Huysman and became one of the first renowned humanists of European. In 1479, he settled in Groningen again. In that same year, Agricola is said to have produced the organ in the Martini Church. The miniature version is in his hands. The images are each on a console in a shallow Gothic alcove. The alcove is divided into three sections by two vertical strips. By turning Bernlef and Agricola a quarter turn and having them look at Saint Martin, Valk has managed to unify the figures despite the three-way split.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Willem Valk

• District
  Centrum

• Year of creation
  1940

• Art type
  Art in / on a building

• Material
  Sandstone

• Dimensions
  h ca. 1,20 m