Unique Antwerp Statues – Interesting Legends

And we kept wandering through the lanes of Antwerp, along the bank of river Schelde.  The city has many statues put up at several places that we spotted during the Walking Tour of Antwerp. The following are captures of Antwerp statues.

GODDESS MINERVA STATUE IN ANTWERP PORT

The one below is of Goddess Minerva at Noorderterras – Zuiderterras riverside promenade overlooking the river Scheldt. Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom and sciences, daughter of Jupiter and Metis. The Statue of Minerva Goddess, created by the Italian artist Marcello Mascherini, is located in the port of Antwerp

Goddess Minerva Antwerp

STATUE OF A TRAMP

Another character from the pages of history book of Antwerp: Eugeen Van Mieghem. I saw this statue in the port of Antwerp. With immense talent in drawing he made his contributions in the field of western art. His subject for drawing was most often the typical harbor folk: sack porters, sack makers, emigrants, dockers, bargees, and tramps.

Statue of a tramp by Eugeen Van Mieghem

AUGUSTINE PAUTRE

A little away was the statue of his wife, Augustine Pautre. Theirs was a short married life; she died soon, within two years, leaving him heart broken and withdrawn for several years.

Augustine Pautre statue in Antwerp

ANTWERP STATUES – LANGE WAPPER

In the 16th century, a captivating legend emerged from the Wilrijk district, telling the tale of Lange Wapper. The story of this mischievous and mythical character goes like this:

A farmer discovered an astonishing sight in his bed – oversized parsley and a vibrant red cabbage – which, to his bewilderment, transformed into a baby right before his eyes. Puzzled and unsure how to care for this extraordinary child he made a compassionate decision to put the baby up for adoption.

The baby was embraced by a kind-hearted family in the bustling city of Antwerp. As he grew older, he displayed an unwavering devotion to helping those in need, earning the admiration and respect of the townsfolk. One fateful day, his compassion was rewarded by an elderly woman he had rescued. She bestowed upon him a remarkable gift – the power to shape-shift.

With his newfound ability, the young boy transformed into a towering giant and acquired the moniker “Lange Wapper.” Armed with his shape-shifting powers, he continued to assist and protect those in distress. However, as with many legends, not all his exploits were virtuous.

In some mischievous escapades, Lange Wapper, cunningly disguised as a child, quenched his thirst by drinking young mothers’ breast milk. Moreover, he took delight in tormenting drunkards during the night and outwitting local children in games with his sly tricks. Though appreciated for his benevolence, the people of Antwerp were also vexed by his pranks and antics.

Lange Wapper harbored a peculiar aversion to the Virgin Mary, adding to the town’s grievances against him. Seeking a way to deter the giant’s misdeeds, the townspeople adorned their houses and shops with effigies of the Holy Mother, believing it would repel Lange Wapper.

The plan seemed to work, for as the legend goes, he could not bear the sight of the Virgin Mary’s effigies scattered across the city. Feeling unwelcome and pursued, Lange Wapper made a fateful decision. He either vanished from the city forever, seeking refuge elsewhere, or, as some versions recount, he met a tragic end by falling into the depths of the Scheldt River.

Statue of Lange Wapper in Antwerp

PIETER APPELMANS MONUMENT

An interesting collection of bronze statues, a four piece monument – the Pieter Appelmans Monument, is there right next to the Antwerp Cathedral in the city centre of Antwerp. This monument was designed by Belgian sculptor Jef Lambeaux.

The monument was created in honor of architect Pieter Appelmans, who is credited with finishing the church construction after the passing of his father and original church architect, Jans Appelmans. You can see it before entering the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. It is on the right side of the cathedral door.

The sculpture was created in 1906 by Jef Lambeaux. It is standing on the south side of the cathedral since 1935. See the picture below, spot the differences… notice the busker?

Pieter Appelmans Monument in Antwerp

ANTWERP STATUES – BRABO FOUNTAIN

One of the most famous fountains in Antwerp is the Brabo Fountain (also known as Brabo’s Fountain or Silvius Brabo Fountain).

The Brabo Fountain is a central monument located in the heart of Antwerp’s main square, the Grote Markt (Great Market Square). It stands in front of the City Hall and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

The fountain’s central figure is one of unique Antwerp statues depicting a legendary Roman soldier named Silvius Brabo. The story goes like this:

Brabo was a mythical hero who is said to have killed a giant named Druon Antigoon. The giant was a terror. He demanded a toll from those who wanted to cross the river Scheldt, and he would cut off the hands of those who refused to pay. Silvius Brabo, in an act of defiance, cut off the giant’s hand and threw it into the river.

Hence, the name Antwerp (Antwerpen in Dutch) is believed to have originated from the Dutch words hand werpen, which means hand-throwing or hand-thrower, in reference to this legendary act.

The Brabo Fountain is an iconic symbol of Antwerp’s folklore and a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It is a beautiful piece of art that adds to the city’s historical charm.

Brabo Fountain Antwerp

Conclusion

Statues like this help understand a place’s history better. And I make it a point to take pictures of the statues and google on them at leisure. Have you seen any of these during your Antwerp visit?

You may like these unique statues from around the world

• Turul Bird in Budapest
• Golden Eagle of Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
• Merlion – Symbol of Singapore

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