Vaartkapoen, Bronze sculpture in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium
Vaartkapoen is a bronze sculpture depicting a police officer being tripped by a man emerging from a sewer manhole. The artwork captures the tension between authority and mischief through this dynamic scene in the public space.
Created by Belgian artist Tom Frantzen in 1985, the sculpture was placed in front of the Communaute Francaise building in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek. The work emerged during a period when the area sought to preserve its identity through public art and local traditions.
The name Vaartkapoen refers to people born near the canal, embodying local identity and the Brussels humor tradition. This figure captures how residents see and represent their neighborhood through playful interaction.
The sculpture sits at street level near public transportation stops, making it accessible for those exploring the canal district on foot. The location is easy to find and requires no special conditions to view.
The sculpture contains a subtle reference to a famous comic series through a number change on the police officer's uniform. This hidden detail links Brussels's art world to its comic book heritage in an unexpected way.
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