Tern on sphere (Stern op bol)

About this artwork.

Tern on sphere is one of the fifty sculptures that Valk created for buildings in Groningen and beyond. The tern stands with raised wings on the sphere. Stylised pieces of copper plate form the wings, the head and the beak; they are folded over the lower body, as it were. Copper discolours under the influence of outside air, which explains the green colour of the statue and also the roof. The tern forms a graceful and playful reference to the harbour area.
 
From the 1920s onwards, Willem Valk had good contacts with architects and municipal officials and until 1930, he received many decorating assignments on buildings and bridges from Groningen's Municipal Works Department. In doing so, he has left an important mark on the city's architectural sculpture, although he has never been appointed as an official city sculptor.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Willem Valk

• District
  Centrum

• Year of creation
  1938

• Art type
  Art in / on a building

• Material
  Copper

• Dimensions
  h 0,80 m