Landbouw en veeteelt, Bronze sculpture at Herebrug, Groningen, Netherlands
Landbouw en veeteelt is a bronze sculpture standing at Herebrug that depicts a female figure with grain stalks encircling her waist, positioned above a calf, and reaching approximately 3 meters in height. The composition brings together organic imagery with an upright, monumental presence.
Created by Wladimir de Vries in 1953, the sculpture was installed during the reconstruction of Herebrug following World War II damage. Its placement marked the renewal of this important connection point in the city.
The female figure represents the city while the calf beside her represents the surrounding farmland, showing how urban and rural areas depended on each other. This relationship remains visible in how the sculpture connects Groningen's development to its agricultural surroundings.
The sculpture sits at the intersection of Hereweg and Herebrug, making it easy to spot as a reference point when exploring the area. It is readily visible from the street and accessible to pedestrians at any time.
The sculpture became known locally as 'Blote Bet' because of the female figure's nudity, a detail that sparked conversation among residents for many years. This informal name demonstrates how deeply the community has connected with the work.
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