Vissersvrouwen, statue in Ostend, Belgium
Vissersvrouwen is a bronze group sculpture on the station square in Ostend, depicting five women seated in conversation with one another. The figures feature stylized faces with long noses and large eyes, high hairstyles resembling crowns, and their quiet posture conveys a sense of dignity and strength.
The work was unveiled in 1998 by artist August Michiels, who lived from 1922 to 2003 and created many public monuments across Flanders. It was created as a tribute to the importance of fishing and fishing families in Ostend's history.
The statues depict ordinary women in simple clothing, engaged in conversation and watching over the harbor. They represent the quiet yet vital role of fishing families in Ostend's life and their deep connection to the sea.
The group is located on the station square in Ostend and is easily visible and accessible from the street. You can stop by anytime to view the sculptures from different angles, as they are situated in a public space.
The figures lack individual facial features and appear as archetypes, making them timeless and universal. This abstract quality allows visitors to see the women as symbols of an entire generation rather than individual portrayed persons.
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