“Is it possible to bury Ulenspiegel, the spirit? Nele, the heart of Mother Flanders?” This inscription marks more than just a monument. It marks the legacy of Charles De Coster. We are standing before the Monument à Charles De Coster. It is a tribute to a celebrated Belgian writer.
Charles De Coster was born in Munich in 1827. He died in Ixelles in 1879. He lived at number 116 of the rue de l’Arbre Bénit. De Coster was a professor at the École Militaire de La Cambre. He is most famous for his novel “The Adventures of Thyl Ulenspiegel and Lamme Goedzak.” This novel tells of their adventures in Flanders.
Fifteen years after De Coster’s death, Ixelles honored him. They inaugurated this monument in his honor. The monument’s originality lies in its focus. It does not primarily depict the writer himself. Instead, it represents the heroes of his famous novel: Thyl and Nele.
Look closely. Thyl and Nele sit upon a base. Behind them, the monument forms a niche. The niche has a curved pediment. It is supported by columns. Other columns decorate the sides. The pediment features the owl and the mirror. These represent Uylenspiegel. They are accompanied by putti.
Within the niche, a marble medallion displays Charles De Coster’s profile. The portraits of Lamme Goedzak and Catheline flank it. The inscription “EST-CE QU’ON ENTERRE ULENSPIEGEL, L’ESPRIT / NELE, LE CŒUR DE LA MÈRE FLANDRE” is on the entablature.
On the sides, various elements evoke traditional interiors. Spot the pot rack, a spinning wheel, a distaff. Also find a cat and a dog. The monument was created by sculptor Charles Samuel and architect Frans de Vestel in 1894. Charles Samuel also sculpted “Tijl Uilenspiegel and Nele” in white marble. It is now installed in Knokke-Heist.
The monument at Place Flagey has artistic aesthetic historical and urbanistic significance. The overall architectural design draws inspiration. It takes more from the Italian Renaissance than from 16th-century Flanders. The female figure, Nele, was modeled by Neel Doff. She read De Coster’s novel. She did this to better understand the character she was portraying.
De Coster taught at the La Cambre military academy. It was located in the old abbey buildings. These were at the end of the ponds. He often paused on his way to work. He would sit on a bench near this very spot. This monument stands as a lasting reminder. It commemorates a great writer. It immortalizes his beloved characters. It captures the spirit of Flanders. It ensures that Charles De Coster and his Ulenspiegel are never truly buried.