Can you spot the three artists? The Ode aan Berlage Sculpture stands here. It honors three artistic giants.
This sculpture is called Ode aan Berlage. It was created by Hildo Krop. Krop was Amsterdam’s city sculptor. The Ode aan Berlage is found by bridge 415. It spans the Zuider Amstelkanaal. The sculpture is made of natural stone.
The Ode aan Berlage depicts three artists. These artists are Richard Roland Holst, Mendes da Costa, and Berlage himself. Each artist is shown with items representing their craft. Roland Holst holds a palette and brush. Mendes da Costa has a hammer and chisel. Berlage is holding a triangle and a T-square.
These men were contemporaries of Krop. They shared similar artistic spirits. All three had tried to prevent the closing of Haarlem’s Arts and Crafts School in 1926. The school was important for the development of wood carving. It promoted community art. The school attracted excellent teachers. It became a breeding ground for new art movements.
The Ode aan Berlage was completed in 1941. But there was a delay. It was not installed until 1954. One of the depicted artists was Jewish. The German occupiers forbade its display. After the war, the area was still undeveloped. Officials feared damage from playing children. Finally, the Ode aan Berlage found its home.
Krop learned wood carving at a furniture factory. John Radecker taught him stone carving. Krop also worked as a ceramist. He did not separate free and commissioned work. Krop believed art was connected to society. He felt art inherently involves community.
As you admire the Ode aan Berlage note the nearby sculpture called ‘de Muze’. It is on the other side of bridge 415. It represents inspiration. The muse symbolizes what artists need to create their works. Together, the two sculptures create a dialogue. They speak of art, inspiration, and community.