Perhaps you recognize the familiar face immortalized in bronze right before us. This is L’Envol Statue. It pays tribute to the legendary Belgian singer Jacques Brel.
L’Envol Statue stands proudly on the Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés in Brussels. It was inaugurated on October 11, 2017. Marion Lemestre, Councilor for Economic Affairs of the City of Brussels, unveiled it to the public. The statue is a creation of the talented artist Tom Frantzen.
This location is very fitting. The statue is in the same street as the Brel Foundation. It is a lasting reminder of his impact on music and culture.
Frantzen’s work captures Brel in a passionate moment. He is singing into a microphone with his arms wide open. This pose reflects Brel’s expressive stage presence. The statue’s title, L’Envol, translates to “The Flight”. It is a reference to a line from Brel’s song “La Chanson des Vieux Amants”. The line says, “Mille fois je pris mon envol”. This translates to “A thousand times I took my flight”.
The statue gives the impression that Brel is rising into the air. This symbolizes the feeling of freedom he represented. Tom Frantzen said that Jacques Brel seems to welcome you with open arms. This is especially true when you approach from the Eikstraat below. The Manneken Pis, another famous Brussels inhabitant, is located there.
The initiative to create L’Envol Statue came from the trade association of the Vieille Halle aux Blés. They wanted to honor Brel’s legacy. They requested that the city create a statue of Jacques Brel.
Tom Frantzen is a renowned Belgian sculptor. He is known for his original works. Frantzen’s sculptures often feature humor and attention to detail. He is considered a part of the contemporary Flemish Fantastic movement.
Visitors often bring gifts to the statue. Some bring candy. Others bring flowers, frites, mussels, or Moselle wine. Those who cannot afford gifts offer their love and admiration.
L’Envol Statue has become a popular attraction for tourists. They come to admire the statue from dawn till dusk. It serves as a gathering place for fans. They come to pay homage to the iconic singer. It ensures that his memory lives on in the heart of Brussels.
So here stands L’Envol Statue a symbol of Jacques Brel’s enduring legacy. It reminds us of his powerful voice and passionate performances. The statue encapsulates the spirit of a singer who truly took flight.