What if statues could talk? The Albert Thys Statue stands here at the entrance of Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels. It remembers a man who shaped Belgian colonial history.
Albert Thys lived from 1849 to 1915. He was a key figure in Belgian enterprises in the Congo. He faithfully assisted King Léopold II in these ventures.
The Albert Thys Statue wasn’t created until after his death. Sculptor Thomas Vinçotte began the design in 1920. Frans Huygelen, another sculptor, completed the work. It was inaugurated in 1926, a year after Vinçotte died.
Look closely at the bronze group. It shows the Belgian Génie or spirit guiding the Congo. The Congo is represented by a young Black woman. She carries a cornucopia. This symbolizes the wealth of the independent Congo state. Léopold II owned it at the time.
The bronze group rests on a pedestal made of carefully assembled stone. A médaillon shows Albert Thys in profile. Laurel and oak garlands surround his portrait. These symbolize his merit.
Note the winged wheels flanking the pedestal. They recall Thys’s role in promoting railways in the Congo. He helped build the first railway connecting Matadi to Léopoldville. This monumental tribute to Albert Thys was classified as a historical monument in 1976.
Consider the statue’s symbolism. The Belgian Génie leads the Congo. It highlights the colonial narrative of guidance and civilization. The cornucopia represents the Congo’s resources. The railway symbolizes progress.
Frans Huygelen’s signature appears on the médaillon. It also appears on the pedestal and the plinth of the sculptures. The founder, Verbeyst, also signed the statue.
In 2018 and 2019, the Albert Thys Statue underwent restoration. This ensured its preservation for future generations.
The Albert Thys Statue stands as a complex symbol. It represents Belgian colonialism. It also celebrates a man’s contribution to the Congo. It invites reflection on Belgium’s colonial past. It encourages conversations about its legacy. The Albert Thys Statue remains a focal point at Cinquantenaire Park. Take a moment to consider the history and the art. The statue and its story linger long after you leave.