Untitled (3 wall sculptures - 3 wandsculpturen)

About this artwork.

The Van Elmpt House, on the corner of Herestraat and Herebinnensingel, was built in 1929 as the head office of the Friesch-Groningsche Hypotheekbank. Van Elmpt is the architect of this Art Deco building, which was constructed in 1929. The building is ornate: the various dark-brown stepped brick masonry layers complement the geometric Art Deco motifs. The architect also commissioned the three sculptures. The sculptures enhance the vibrant expression of the building's architecture. The staggered surfaces and stepped brickwork are accentuated by Valk's pieces. Architecture and sculpture exhibit a form of symbiosis. 
 
 On the corner of the building is a bear carved out of stone. The meaning behind this may lie in the fact that the animal is always collecting honey and therefore, in its own way, collecting wealth. The main entrance and the facade on the Herestraat side are decorated with abstract ornaments. Mercury, Roman god of commerce, marks the side entrance. 
 
 In 1921 Willem Valk came to Groningen, where he would teach sculpture at the Minerva Art Academy for 43 years. In addition to his teaching remit, he created numerous portraits, nudes and sculptures for buildings in Groningen. The latter earned him the unofficial title of city sculptor.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Willem Valk

• District
  Centrum

• Year of creation
  1929

• Art type
  Art and architecture, Art in / on a building, Wall sculpture

• Material
  Sandstone

• Dimensions
  0,45/1,75 m