Who sculpted this mesmerizing bronze? Right before you stands La tête du serpent a captivating sculpture in Brussels’ Parc Josaphat. This bronze masterpiece is the work of Constant Albert Desenfans. He created it in 1890. The serpent’s form is elegantly detailed. The artist’s signature A. DESENFANS 1890 is inscribed on the trunk. J. PETERMANN FONDEUR BRUXELLES is also on the base. This tells us the name of the founder.
This isn’t just any serpent. It depicts Eve listening intently. She is leaning against a small tree. The serpent is coiled around the tree trunk. The scene is a direct interpretation of the biblical story. The sculpture originally stood in the Salon de Bruxelles exhibition of 1890. The Belgian government then gifted it to the commune of Schaerbeek. The artist himself recommended its location in Parc Josaphat. It sits on an Art Deco style pedestal. This pedestal is made of reconstituted pink stone. A base of blue stone further supports this incredible creation.
The Parc Josaphat itself is rich in history. It’s nestled in the former Roodenbeek valley. A stream once flowed here. This stream fed by the Fontaine d’Amour still flows. It emptied into the Maelbeek near Place de Houffalize. In the 16th century this valley was renamed Josaphat. A pilgrim returning from the Holy Land made this change. He was reportedly struck by the similarity to the Valley of Josaphat near Jerusalem.
Creating the park was far from easy. The commune faced resistance from a landowner Madame Veuve Martha. She owned a large plot including a house and magnificent trees. She considered the offered price too low. She even tried selling the trees with a condition to cut them down. King Leopold II intervened. He purchased the trees but the battle was far from over. The landowner still refused to sell. Finally expropriation resolved the conflict. The park was opened in 1904. It initially covered four hectares. It gradually expanded to twenty through further acquisitions.
La tête du serpent is more than just a beautiful bronze. It represents a fascinating chapter in Brussels’ history. It’s a testament to artistic skill. It also symbolizes the enduring power of storytelling and the struggles encountered creating public spaces. The sculpture’s serene presence reflects the rich history it embodies. It is a story of creation perseverance and a lasting legacy in the heart of Brussels.