A nude young girl holding a guitar. That’s La Cigale Statue. It stands here as an allegory of carefree living. Émile Namur sculpted it in 1897.
Originally, La Cigale Statue was designed for bourgeois homes. But it was made life-size for this square. It was placed facing Rue Ortelius in 1906.
Now, look at the statue’s base. The base is a cylindrical blue stone. The word “Cigale” is inscribed on the base of the trunk. Émile Namur’s signature and the year 1906 appear on the plinth.
La Cigale Statue is made of marble. The base is made of blue stone. The statue stands 203 cm tall. The base is 160 cm high, 140 cm wide and 140 cm deep.
Consider the statue’s placement. It’s set in a circular flower bed. A fence of iron posts and wire surrounds the flower bed.
La Cigale Statue gained protection status on July 14, 1994. This recognizes its artistic, aesthetic, and historical significance. It stimulates the senses. It marks the urban landscape. It embodies a particular period in history.
Imagine the 1897 Universal Exhibition. La Cigale Statue was created for this event. It represents insouciance. It was intended to brighten the homes of the middle class. Now it graces this public space.
Think about the artistic value. The statue shows the talent of Émile Namur. Its composition shows an understanding of form and expression.
Consider the aesthetic appeal. The statue is pleasing to the eye. It adds beauty to the square. It enhances the urban landscape.
Remember its historical context. The statue reflects the artistic trends of its time. It provides insight into the values and ideals of the late 19th century.
So, as you gaze upon La Cigale Statue, think about its journey. It transitioned from a private art piece to a public symbol. Its simple carefree message still resonates today. It encourages everyone to embrace life’s joys.