Here stands the Moeder en Kind Statue a silent story etched in stone. This artwork represents a mother holding her child. It embodies the universal theme of motherhood.
The Moeder en Kind Statue before you is not the only one with this name in Amsterdam. This particular statue was created by Han Wezelaar. It is also known as De Zorg. That translates to “The Care”.
This Moeder en Kind Statue is a sculpture made of French limestone. It was placed here on the Gerrit van der Veenstraat between September and December 1939. Back then the street was still called Euterpestraat. The name changed on May 18 1945.
The municipality of Amsterdam commissioned the statue. It was intended for a Municipal HBS for girls. Today, the statue stands in front of the Gerrit van der Veen College. Its smooth surface reflects a neoclassical style. The sculpture depicts a mother holding a child in her arms.
Look closely. The Moeder en Kind Statue seems to form a unit with another sculpture. That is Paul Koning’s De Denker. However, that statue dates from 1947.
Han Wezelaar later made a variant of this image. In that version, the child rests on the mother’s breast. This statue captures a moment of quiet tenderness. It is a celebration of the bond between mother and child.
Notice the pride in the mother’s posture. See the child reaching out. It is a reminder of the deep connection between them. This connection is fundamental to human evolution.
Though simple in form, the Moeder en Kind Statue evokes complex emotions. It speaks of love, protection, and the enduring power of family. It invites contemplation on a timeless theme. The Moeder en Kind Statue is more than just art. It is a symbol of life’s most precious relationship.