“What is she thinking?” I wonder as I look at the Femme agenouillée. This artwork stands as a testament to artistic expression in Lille. The Femme agenouillée is more than just a statue. It invites reflection on the human condition.
The Femme agenouillée was created by Xavier Veilhan. He unveiled this sculpture in 2019. The city of Lille commissioned the artwork. It stands near the entrance of the Lille Flandres Train Station. This location is a connecting point for many people. Tourists, workers, and those just passing through all see it.
The Femme agenouillée is a monochrome bust. It depicts an enigmatic young woman. She appears to emerge from the ground. The artist made the statue from styrofoam, fiberglass, and polyester resin. Stainless steel also comprises part of the structure. It measures 280 x 240 x 195 cm. That is about 110 1/4 x 94 1/2 x 76 3/4 inches.
Veilhan’s “Romy” is the perfect embodiment of a traveler. She looks toward the Lille Flandres Train Station. She welcomes visitors from around the world. This aligns with the Lille tradition of hospitality.
The Femme agenouillée differs significantly from another statue in Lille. The Colonne de la Déesse commemorates the heroism of Lille’s residents. It remembers the siege of Lille in 1792. The imperial army led the siege. The Colonne de la Déesse features a statue of a woman on top of a column. She holds a boutefeu in her right hand. This is used to light cannons. Her left hand points to an inscription on the base.
The mayor of Lille, François André-Bonte, refused to surrender the city. This inscription reflects that refusal. Théophile Bra, a sculptor from Douai, created the statue. Charles Benvignat was the architect. People soon called it the Colonne de la Déesse. This happened after a local poem about it was published. A fountain surrounds its base.
The Colonne de la Déesse stands in the center of the Grand-Place. This is also known as Place du Général-de-Gaulle. The column itself is 12.51 meters tall. It rests on a base of 3.65 meters in diameter. The statue adds another three meters to the height. Each side of the pedestal has inscriptions.
The Femme agenouillée offers a modern contrast. It is a contemporary piece reflecting the spirit of travel. It is different from the historical Colonne de la Déesse. Both enhance Lille’s artistic landscape. Next time you are at the Lille Flandres Train Station, take a moment. Reflect on the welcoming presence of the Femme agenouillée. Consider its place within Lille’s vibrant cultural tapestry.