Sculpture: De zonnebaadster, 1966
Material: Bronze
Dimensions height: 5.00 m (incl. base)
Location: Boulevard de Favauge/Strandweg
Sculptor: Jan van Luyn
Point of interest
The unveiling of the pompous and masterful statue on the Rotonde did not go without a hitch. A strong wind ensured that the introductory speech by mayor Van Fenema was held in Hotel Bouwes because it was not exactly pleasant right by the sea. The statue by artist Van Luyn was the final piece of the first phase of the artistic beautification of Zandvoort. That the people of Zandvoort were not so happy with the statue was evident from the fact that a few days before the unveiling the pedestal was defaced and had to be cleaned. According to Van Fenema, permanent surveillance to prevent new vandalism might be unavoidable. During the unveiling the statue was expertly wrapped in the Zandvoort flag. When the rope was cut the flag tore and the statue remained covered. With the help of a civil servant from Public Works with his lift car the statue was finally freed from its wrapping amidst great hilarity. In his closing sentence, the mayor said: “May this statue continue to be a prominent point in our seaside resort for many years to come and a symbol of relaxation and peace.” After 41 years, the statue is still a remarkable object in the middle of the stone curve where the cardinal points are indicated. The sunbather has already withstood many ‘storms’.
Jan van Luyn 1916-?
Not much can be found about the sculptor himself. There are two monumental war memorials by his hand in Schiedam and Appelscha. He also had a studio in Utrecht where he gave lessons to young artists. Unfortunately, more information is missing.