Conceived in 1914 the Max Waller Sculpture stands as a tribute to a literary giant. Max Waller was more than just a man of letters. He was the founder and director of the influential movement “La Jeune Belgique”.
We stand before a monument of artistic vision. It was inaugurated on October 12 1919. The Max Waller Sculpture graces the northwest corner of Square Ambiorix in Brussels.
Notice the white stone pedestal. It is meticulously crafted into a rectangular parallelepiped. A white marble high-relief adorns its front. It presents the writer Max Waller in bust profile.
Above the relief the inscription reads “A MAX WALLER / 1860-1889”. The left side of the pedestal bears the inscription “ERIGE / PAR / SOUSCRIPTION / PUBLIQUE”. The right side says “FONDATEUR / DE LA / JEUNE BELGIQUE”. The sculptor Victor Rousseau signed his name on the base.
Above the pedestal sits a gilded bronze statue of a woman. Its lines reflect Art Nouveau inspiration. She is nude only partially draped. The woman kneels on a white stone base. She leans forward her head tilted. Her right arm is raised.
The Max Waller Sculpture stands out against a curved white stone wall. The wall’s ends curve inward at the base and a cornice tops it.
Max Waller’s influence extended beyond his writings. He was the co-founder of the literary magazine La Jeune Belgique. He also contributed to La Nation and other newspapers. Imagine the intellectual fervor he ignited.
Sadly Waller’s life was cut short by illness. He died at just 29 years old. Shortly before his death he arranged the publication of his brother Charles Warlomont’s Congolese correspondence. His brother also helped shape the main character in Brigitte Austin. It’s a sequel to Daisy published posthumously in 1930.
Victor Rousseau created this monument. Joseph Van Neck was the architect. The Max Waller Sculpture was erected by friends after Waller’s death.
The Max Waller Sculpture has been classified as a monument since July 18 1994. It ensures its preservation for future generations.
The Max Waller Sculpture in Brussels is a testament to artistic collaboration. It embodies the spirit of La Jeune Belgique. It immortalizes Max Waller’s legacy. It stands as a reminder of the power of literature and art.