Who could this imposing figure be, standing proudly here near Parc Josaphat? This, my friends, is the Major Ernest Cambier Statue, a tribute to a man who played a significant role in Belgium’s colonial history. The Major Ernest Cambier Statue, sculpted by Claus Cito, was originally completed in 1914. However, due to the outbreak of World War I, its unveiling was delayed until 1920. The statue depicts a bronze figure, not of Cambier himself, but of a woman representing Fame. She holds a shield inscribed with key moments of Cambier’s life: “Foundation of Karema 1876” and “Studies of the Congo Railway 1888”. Cambier, whose likeness is captured in a marble medallion on the stone pedestal, wasn’t a soldier in the traditional sense. He was an explorer, responding to King Leopold II’s call for the colonization of the Congo. He established Karema, one of the first Belgian colonial posts, and led the study for the Matadi-Leopoldville railway, a vital artery for the colony. The Major Ernest Cambier Statue stands as a reminder of his contributions, albeit within the complex and often controversial context of Belgian colonialism. The statue, with its allegorical representation and delayed unveiling, reflects a specific moment in history, inviting reflection on the legacy of individuals like Cambier and their impact on the world.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to