“Splash!” That’s the sound I imagine hearing near the Nereide op Triton statue. This artwork by Nic Jonk shows two mythical beings.
The Nereide op Triton statue is a gift to Amsterdam. Buma-Stemra gave it to the city in 1993. This marked their 50th anniversary. The statue was created by Nic Jonk in 1964. It now stands proudly at August Allebeplein after being moved in 2024.
Let’s look closer. Triton is half-man and half-fish. He is the son of the sea goddess Amphitrite. Notice the horn he holds. Nereids are sea nymphs. It is quite fitting that the Nereide op Triton statue is located in a water basin. Except for winter there is always water.
Nic Jonk was a famous sculptor. He was known for bronze statues. These often depicted mythological scenes. Many featured women and animals. His art shows respect for life. It also radiates strength. Jonk was versatile. Besides sculpture, he worked as a graphic artist. He was also a painter and jewelry designer. He used materials like ceramics, glass, steel and perspex. From 1965, Jonk lived in Grootschermer. There, he created a museum and sculpture garden.
Did you know that Jonk created other Nereide op Triton statues? There is one in Amstelveen. His sculptures are found in over 200 places in the Netherlands. They also appear in other countries. You can find them in the United States, Italy, Germany and Belgium. Nic Jonk died in 1994.
The Nereide op Triton embodies Jonk’s artistic vision. The statue shows his passion for mythology and form. Its presence enriches Amsterdam’s cultural landscape. The artwork invites us to reflect on the beauty and power of the sea. It connects us to ancient stories. Next time you pass by, take a moment. Think about the myths and artistic skill embodied in the Nereide op Triton.