
"Dijkwerkers", Rotterdam - The Netherlands
Posted by:
superstein
N 51° 53.930 E 004° 29.723
31U E 602887 N 5750842
Description: Two men lifting a basalt block.
Waymark Code: WM12EH1
Location: Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Date Posted: 05/10/2020
Views: 6
The construction of the Rotterdam metro gave the opportunity to add visual art to everyday life, both above and below ground. These dyke workers are above ground on the quay, near Maashaven metro station. In 1968 a sketch of this statue, commissioned by the municipality of Rotterdam, was shown at an exhibition of Van Zanten's work in the Heuff art hall in Wassenaar, under the title "Ball-playing figures". In its final form, it represents two curved male figures, who together lift a basalt block. The statue has a symbolic function: it is a memorial to the dockworker, an important memory in South Rotterdam that has grown through human labor. The work was unveiled on December 11, 1970 by the chairman of the district council for Charlois and the chairman of the district organ Afrikaanderplein. The large dark silhouette is well positioned. It contrasts dramatically against air and water and has space around it, while still being visible to many passers-by.
Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: De Dijkwerkers
 Figure Type: Human
 Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Ernst Arnold Frederik Robert van Zanten
 Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1970
 Materials used: Bronze
 Location: On quay under metro viaduct

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