The Statue of Jan Van Eyck, Brugge
The Statue of Jan Van Eyck, located in Bruges, serves as a monumental tribute to one of the most renowned figures of the Flemish Primitives School of Art. Situated in the Jan Van Eyckplein, a square named after the artist, the statue not only honors his legacy but also commemorates his significant contributions to the early Renaissance, often referred to as the Northern Renaissance.
Jan Van Eyck, who was not a native of Bruges but spent much of his life there, passed away in 1441 and was initially buried at the Saint Donatius Church in the city. His grave and the church itself were later destroyed during the French military campaigns. Eyck is celebrated for pioneering a distinctive technique of oil painting and is recognized as one of Europe's first great masters of portrait painting.
The current statue, erected in 1878, replaced a smaller version installed in 1820, which the citizens of Bruges felt did not adequately reflect the stature of such a distinguished artist. This decision to commission a new statue was realized in the presence of Belgian King Leopold II. Designed and sculpted by H. Pickery, a local artist, the statue stands at an impressive height of 3.75 meters and weighs approximately 1,700 kilograms. It is prominently positioned on a tall stone pedestal, with Jan Van Eyck’s name prominently embossed in brass, ensuring that his artistic achievements and historical importance are appropriately celebrated and remembered.
Jan Van Eyck, who was not a native of Bruges but spent much of his life there, passed away in 1441 and was initially buried at the Saint Donatius Church in the city. His grave and the church itself were later destroyed during the French military campaigns. Eyck is celebrated for pioneering a distinctive technique of oil painting and is recognized as one of Europe's first great masters of portrait painting.
The current statue, erected in 1878, replaced a smaller version installed in 1820, which the citizens of Bruges felt did not adequately reflect the stature of such a distinguished artist. This decision to commission a new statue was realized in the presence of Belgian King Leopold II. Designed and sculpted by H. Pickery, a local artist, the statue stands at an impressive height of 3.75 meters and weighs approximately 1,700 kilograms. It is prominently positioned on a tall stone pedestal, with Jan Van Eyck’s name prominently embossed in brass, ensuring that his artistic achievements and historical importance are appropriately celebrated and remembered.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brugge. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
The Statue of Jan Van Eyck on Map
Sight Name: The Statue of Jan Van Eyck
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Brugge, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Brugge
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brugge is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Tour
It's not much of a secret that some of the world's most beautiful churches are found in Brugge. Renowned for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, this Belgian city is home to several historical temples, adding a great deal of charm to its tapestry.
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Within its egg-shaped boundary, the historic town of Brugge holds a wealth of architectural treasures. Both medieval and more modern creations await you practically around every corner and are fit to enchant even the most discerning viewers.
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Brugge Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of Belgium's West Flanders province, Brugge is a fascinating city, distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and historic architecture. Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North, this is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe – dating back over a millennium – with a history richer and longer than that of Belgium itself (established since 1830).
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Brugge Beer Tour
The Land of Beer that is Belgium, where each corner calls to you alluringly, has long welcomed thirsty visitors from all over the world. Of all the Belgian destinations, the medieval city of Brugge is a perfect place to promote one of the country’s most important and best-known exports. Back in the 15th century, at the peak of its commercial might, the city boasted over 50 working breweries... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles