Maturity, a group of sculptures by Victor Rousseau, is not set to return to its original location on the Warandeberg outside Brussels’ Central Station after the creation of a new city park. The Brussels government has ruled that the sculpture clashes with today’s values. Meanwhile, the Association of Guides has called for the statue to be afforded protection.
Unwoke ‘Maturity’ banned from central Brussels ‘because it doesn’t meet today’s values’
Colin Clapson
Published:
'Maturity', a familiar sight on your stroll from the Park of Brussels to Central Station, consisting of six white marble statues. In the centre sits an elderly gentleman, who embodies maturity and wisdom, while the woman by his side symbolises fertility and abundance. Together, they look at their children, who represent youth and promise.
Last year the Royal Commission on Monuments decided 'Maturity' was in poor condition and submitted an application for protection, but that was turned down. The Brussels government then put the artwork on the heritage conservation list. That’s a slightly more flexible form of protection that allows the statues to be moved.
What is going to happen to the sculpture is not clear. The Brussels government has announced plans to redevelop the area around the group. The new designs for a city park by landscape architect Bas Smets do not include a place for ‘Maturity’.
Government rejects paternalism
The office of Brussels heritage secretary Ans Persoons (Flemish socialist) has given several reasons for the decision to move ‘Maturity’. What is described as the ‘paternalistic view’ of the sculpture is seen as one of the arguments. There’s this wise man and a woman symbolising fertility. The Brussels government argues it is less in tune with contemporary values. It is eager to create space for artworks by contemporary artists.
There are other arguments too. The office of the heritage secretary says Victor Rousseau's statues are already strongly represented in Brussels and there is no need to keep all his works permanently on view in the city centre.
Sculpture represents nascent Belgian art
The Association of Guides is not impressed: ‘This work is of great artistic value. Rousseau is a widely recognised artist representing nascent Belgium,’ says guide Thomas Sennesael. ‘I think we should continue to be proud of Belgium. It’s a country that started from a very uncertain position but has become recognised as a nation of central importance, with an innovative artistic scene recognised across Europe. This monument bears witness to that!’
The Association of Guides has started a petition urging the Brussels government to protect the sculpture. Earlier this week it had collected over 500 signatures.