Everard ’t Serclaes memorial, Bronze sculpture at Maison de l'Étoile, Grand Place, Belgium
The memorial at Maison de l'Étoile on the Grand Place is a brass sculpture showing a reclining figure of Everard t'Serclaes. Its surface features detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Brussels' resistance against invaders.
Sculptor Julien Dillens created the memorial in 1902 to commemorate Everard t'Serclaes' death. The historical city leader defended Brussels' rights in 1388 against external pressure.
The inscriptions on the memorial celebrate t'Serclaes in Latin as a city liberator. The depicted banners of the Brabant and Limburg duchies show which territories were connected to his actions.
The original sculpture underwent restoration in 2011 due to heavy wear from visitor contact. A bronze copy now stands in its place for public access.
Visitors regularly touch the arm of the figure, a tradition that started between World Wars I and II. This touching habit wore the surface so heavily that it required later conservation.
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