Ever heard of zwanze? It is a self-deprecative sense of humor typical in the Brusselian way of life. Right here, at the corner of Rue du Midi and Rue des Moineaux, stands a bronze figure embodying that very spirit: Madame Chapeau.
Madame Chapeau is not just any statue. It is a tribute to a character from the Belgian play “Bossemans et Coppenolle.” The play premiered in 1938. Written by Joris d’Hanswyck and Paul Van Stalleand, the play is performed with a Brusseleer accent.
The statue of Madame Chapeau was created by artist Tom Frantzen in 2000. The Brabant Federation of Socialist Mutuality commissioned it. This was to honor Brussels’ unique humor.
But who is Madame Chapeau? Amélie Van Beneden, nicknamed Madame Chapeau or Mrs. Hat, is a supporting character in the play. Traditionally, a male actor portrays her. The elderly lady is a representation of zwanze.
Look closely. You will see Madame Chapeau counting coins in her purse. A curious rabbit and a green onion peek out of her wicker handbag. She is slightly bent over, with glasses perched on her nose. She looks like she is ready to continue her errands in the neighborhood.
The sculptor realistically captured Billy Pitt. Billy Pitt was the first actor to play Madame Chapeau in 1938. The statue shows her large man-like hands counting coins.
From her bag, a leek and the head of a rabbit named Jefke stick out. She wears her signature hat. A brooch with her initials, AvB, adorns her neck.
The play “Bossemans et Coppenolle” tells of the rivalry between two local football teams. These are Union from Saint-Gilles and Daring from Molenbeek. Madame Chapeau, though a minor character, became an immediate hit.
Her lines quickly became iconic. They became part of Brussels folklore. She protests when called by her nickname. She says, “I am not called that… the thugs from my strotje gave me that nickname because I am too distinguished to go out without a hat… My name is Amélie Van Beneden.”
“Van Beneden” means “from below” in French. The statue is located near the headquarters of the Mutualités Socialistes du Brabant. It stands as one of Brussels’ lesser-known statues.
So, next time you are near the Grand-Place, take a moment to visit Madame Chapeau. Take a closer look at this bronze statue. It is a symbol of Brussels humor and a tribute to a beloved theatrical character. It is more than just a statue. It is a piece of Brussels’ heart.