Gaze upon the Albert I Bust. This bronze equestrian statue isn’t just a monument. It’s a story etched in metal. A story of a king a soldier. A king who reigned during World War I. Ninety percent of Belgium was occupied. Albert I however remained. He remained with his soldiers. He became known as the King Soldier.
Alfred Courtens sculpted this magnificent piece. Courtens was the sculptor for the Belgian royal court. He also sculpted equestrian statues of Leopold II. One is in Oostende another in Kortrijk. This one in Brussels stands tall. It stands proudly. It overlooks the city.
The bust’s creation wasn’t easy. World War II and material shortages delayed the project. It was finally unveiled in 1951. It was brought to its location in three parts. The horse’s body its head and the King himself. Each part was carefully assembled. It now sits upon a pedestal of blue stone.
King Albert I is depicted classically. He is a soldier king. He wears a military coat. He holds a helmet. His face however is bare. Courtens made this decision intentionally. He feared the helmet’s shadow would obscure his face. He wanted to show Albert’s strong determined gaze.
The bust is more than a statue. It is a tribute. A tribute to a king who stood firm. A king who led his country through war. It sits near the Royal Library of Belgium. It’s a fitting location. It stands as a reminder of a brave leader. A leader who earned the title King Soldier. Let us remember his sacrifice. His dedication. His legacy lives on in this powerful image.