Demeure 4 Sculpture

Étienne Martin’s Demeure 4 (Lanleff) rises before you. It silently observes the Siegerpark. This massive bronze sculpture has quite a journey behind it. Let’s explore the story of Demeure 4 in Amsterdam. Originally created in 1961, Demeure 4 spent years gracing the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. It stood proudly in front of the Sandberg wing. Then, the wing was demolished, replaced by Benthem Crouwel Architekten’s “bathtub” creation. The sculpture found a new home in Siegerpark as part of its sculpture collection. Its relocation wasn’t without its challenges. The sculpture proved too heavy for the park’s moist soil. It needed a special spot near the Sloterweg entrance. Here, the ground was firmer, able to support its weight. Demeure 4 isn’t just a static form. Depending on your perspective, it can appear as a hollow tree, two figures facing each other, or protective hands. The artist, Étienne Martin, drew inspiration from various sources. One key influence was a medieval temple in Lanleff, France. Martin had stayed there after his liberation from a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. “Demeure” indicates it is part of a series. Demeure III, for example, resides in Quebec, Canada. Another inspiration was Martin’s childhood home. The sculpture evokes the interplay between humanity and nature. This resonates with the park setting. In 1962, Willem Sandberg, the namesake of the Stedelijk’s demolished wing, requested a copy of the then-plaster sculpture. He included it in a presentation at the Seattle World’s Fair. At Sandberg’s request, a bronze cast was created, which eventually made its way to Siegerpark. Demeure 4 (Lanleff) stands as a testament to artistic vision and resilience. It invites contemplation and offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and the natural world.