This is a statue of a famous Dutch writer "Multatuli" (1820-1887), Latin for "I suffered a lot", is the pseudonym of Eduard Douwes Dekker. He was born close to this place where his statue is placed. Following his experience as an administrater in the then Batavia (now Djakarta) in the Indies, he wrote his novel "Max Havelaar, or the Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trade Company". The book was intended as an indictment of the abuses in Batavia.
Another visiter who was also photographing here pointed me out at the big square of different cobblestones. This marks the place where a big tower had stood in the past until 1829, the so called Jan Roodenpoorts tower. That is the reason this is the widest bridge in the city.
On the internet I found a picture of the former tower.
One of the children from my post of yesterday had also noticed the statue and made a good resembling drawing of it.
I suppose it had fallen in too great a state of disrepair to save?
BeantwoordenVerwijderenA wonderful medley of related photos. Love the architecture of the buildings surrounding the square, and who could not love the child's drawing of the tower?!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAll very interesting. Wish they could have saved the beautiful tower. I am also noticing the sunshine and the pretty blue sky!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenAmazing to think that tower stood in that spot all those years ago Marianne.. I love the rustic look to the statue of Multatuli.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenHe looks a bit like Mark Twain. I like the rough texture to the statue.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenBeautiful photography and post of your world ~ also thanks for comments ~
BeantwoordenVerwijderenEcht een prachtig beeld.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenColonial sins were very hard to admit and are still hard to confront today.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenNot a typical "bust". But I definitely like it!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWat een interessant beeld. Ik ga de naam van de beeldhouwer eens googelen.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenFijne dag!