High above us, a bronze quadriga commands attention. It is the Brabant Raising the National Flag sculpture. This sculpture crowns the Cinquantenaire Arch. The arch itself is a monument in the centre of the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Today, let’s uncover the story and significance of this remarkable sculpture.
The Cinquantenaire Arcade commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Belgian Revolution. King Leopold II commissioned this project. The 1880 National Exhibition was the original deadline. However, only the bases of the columns were ready by then. The rest was made of wooden panels.
A dispute arose between Leopold II and the Belgian Government. The government hesitated to provide funds. The original single arch was conceived by Gédéon Bordiau. After his death in 1904, Charles Girault revised the design. Girault created a triple arch. Yet, he kept Bordiau’s quadriga idea.
The foundation for the new arch was laid on January 4, 1905. It replaced Bordiau’s temporary arch. Private funding completed the basic construction in May. Leopold II inaugurated the arcade on September 27, 1905. This was just in time for the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence.
The Brabant Raising the National Flag quadriga is the work of Thomas Vinçotte. Jules Lagae created the horses. The pedestal faces the Avenue de Tervueren. It bears an inscription. It reads: “This monument was erected in 1905 for the glorification of the independence of Belgium”. The year is in Roman numerals. A spiral staircase leads to an exhibition room. It is under the quadriga. Elevators have been added.
The columns reflect the original layout of Avenue de Tervueren. Originally, it had three roadways with double rows of trees. Eight statues stand at the foot of the arch. They represent Belgian provinces. Brabant is represented by our quadriga above.
The open colonnade was closed in 1905. A mosaic frieze was added starting in 1912. It depicts “The glorification of peaceful and heroic Belgium”. Jean Delville and others completed the mosaic in 1932.
This entire Cinquantenaire area hosts three museums. They are the Royal Military Museum, the Art & History Museum, and Autoworld. The park esplanade hosts events in the summer. Military parades and drive-in movies take place here.
The Cinquantenaire Arch is not merely a structure of stone and bronze. The Brabant Raising the National Flag sculpture embodies Belgium’s spirit. It represents the province of Brabant and its contribution to the nation. As you gaze upon this artwork, remember its history. Remember the struggles and triumphs that shaped Belgium.