dinsdag 13 november 2012

Two Sphinxes

At the entrance of the "Wertheim Park" are two marble sphinxes made by Hans 't Mannetje (1944). In the 19th century they were originally made of zinc, but after WW II they were so dilapidated that they were removed. In the seventies the local residents ask the city counsel for new ones, which was refused because it was to expensive. The people were very angry about it and wrote a furious letter to the Lord Mayor. This neighbourhood had suffered a lot in WW II with the deportations of Jews in the nearby theater "Hollandse Schouwburg " and the local residents claimed some nice ornaments. They felt this park was only used for letting dogs out by most of the Amsterdam people.

  In 1982 the City Council offered the two marble sphinxes as a gift because the neighbourhood celebrated its 300-year existence.

8 opmerkingen:

  1. Interesting story. I'm not sure that I like the lights on the head of the sphinx

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  2. I followed the link and the ikPod is a fabulous idea!

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  3. Yes, they definitely deserved to get these marble sphinxs!

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  4. I'm glad they stuck to their guns Marianne, they make a very impressive entrance to the park.

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  5. yes, interesting story.
    and indeed, i dont really like the lights on their heads. without would have been better!

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  6. moesten die lampen er nu niet bij geweest zijn...

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  7. Toch goed van de Raad; mooie fotos, Marianne (en ook je post 'Magical').

    Fijne donderdag.

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