Verhalenpaal EEND Sculpture

Carved from hardwood, the Verhalenpaal EEND Sculpture whispers stories of Amsterdam’s past. The Verhalenpaal EEND Sculpture isn’t just a static piece of art. It’s a portal to a time when anonymous artists roamed Amsterdam, leaving their enigmatic mark on the city. Created in 2018 by Atelier René Knip, the Verhalenpaal EEND Sculpture echoes the spirit of De Onbekende Beeldhouwer, the Anonymous Sculptor. This mysterious artist, or perhaps a collective of artists, captivated Amsterdam in the 1980s and 1990s with their intriguing street sculptures. The Verhalenpaal EEND Sculpture reminds us of their legacy. One of their most controversial works, “The Breast Plate,” appeared in the heart of the red-light district in 1993. Its sudden appearance, cemented a meter deep in concrete, startled the city. Its subject matter, a hand on a woman’s breast, caused an uproar. The government swiftly removed it, only to face the unexpected challenge of extracting the deeply embedded sculpture. After negotiations with the artist, who mysteriously appeared at the Amsterdam department of art, “The Breast Plate” was reinstalled. It remains at Oudekerksplein to this day, a testament to the anonymous artist’s audacity and the city’s eventual embrace of their unconventional art. The Verhalenpaal EEND Sculpture, with its intricate hardwood form, stands as a tribute to this era of anonymous artistry. It invites us to appreciate the unexpected, the unconventional, and the power of art to spark conversation and leave a lasting impression. Just like “The Breast Plate,” the Verhalenpaal EEND Sculpture is a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places. It can challenge our perceptions and enrich our understanding of the city’s vibrant cultural tapestry.