A Myth Brought to Life in Bronze
The statue De Ontvoering van Europa (The Abduction of Europa), also called De Reiswijzer, is one of the final works of Flemish Brabant sculptor Rik Poot (1924–2006). Created in 2004 and unveiled in March 2008, two years after his death, the monumental bronze sculpture depicts the mythological moment when Zeus, in the form of a bull, kidnaps Europa, daughter of King Agenor.
From Miniatures to Monument
The idea for the work dates back to 1993, when Rik Poot created twelve miniatures of the sculpture at the request of Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene. These were presented to European foreign ministers as souvenirs during Belgium’s presidency of the European Union, marking the symbolic link between Europe’s mythological past and its modern identity.
A Recognition of Excellence
Shortly after creating the design, Poot received the biennial Achilles Van Acker Prize in Bruges for his entire oeuvre, cementing his place as one of Belgium’s most important modern sculptors.
A Statue for Provincieplein
The final large-scale bronze statue was purchased by the Province of Flemish Brabant, the City of Leuven, and KBC Bank & Insurance to adorn Provincieplein. Positioned after the redevelopment of the square and the esplanade connecting it to Leuven Station, it remains a powerful landmark blending mythology, art, and public space.
(Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provincieplein and Leuven Gebeiteld_metkaft - Leuven statues.pdf)
Photo by Aslı Tezcan
