Sculpture: Provincials
Material: Bronze
Dimensions/height: 2.50 m (incl. plinth)
Location: Plantsoen pheasant state
Sculptor: Loeki Metz
Robust image
In 1965, Mayor Fenema unveiled the sculpture of Mrs. A. Koning – de Jong together with the artwork ‘two Provincials’ by Loeki Metz. The two statues were unveiled by Mayor Fenema on the evening of 29 July 1965. Immediately afterwards, the group went to the Community where the exhibition of 3 sculptors and 2 painters was officially opened. The statue was commissioned by the municipal authorities at the time as part of the so-called village beautification. ‘These bronzes, however well-intentioned, are too small in size and artistic quality to stand out against the bleak background of the residential blocks. They look a bit lost and isolated’ (according to the Zandvoorts Nieuwsblad 1965). After 41 years, the residential area has changed with beautiful houses around the park and the sculpture really comes into its own. It is a robust statue with character. It looks like the two provincials are enjoying themselves. They walk around chatting happily, their bags almost falling off their pedestals.
Loeki Metz
Metz’s work is predominantly figurative. As one of the few medal artists from the Netherlands, she achieved international fame. In the 1950s and 1960s, she made a number of sports medals for the Monnaie in Paris. She also made medals with portraits of famous painters such as Rubens, Vermeer and Van Gogh. She received a commission from Germany for a medal in honour of the painter Albrecht Dürer. Over the years, Loeki Metz also depicted members of the royal family. In 1980, she designed the new crown seal for Queen Beatrix.