Seated Woman

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The art walk kicks off right on the spot where the "Tourist" is housed within the historic "Cipierage building". Dating back to 1662, this Renaissance-style structure initially served as a prison in Sint-Niklaas before undergoing multiple restorations and transformations into various establishments, including a police station, telephone exchange, court of first instance, museum, and city library. Just across the wooden boardwalk are two large-scale depictions of George Grard's handiwork. The renowned sculptor had a penchant for crafting imposing bronze statues that explored the theme of the female nude, drawing inspiration from classic French statuary art, particularly the works of Aristide Maillol (1861-1944). Throughout his career, Grard concentrated on capturing the full feminine form in his seated, lying, and standing figures. However, a significant shift occurred around 1958 with the creation of "African", which was showcased at the World Expo in Brussels that year. This marked a turning point for Grard as he began to stylize a new image – a slender, elongated female figure less bulky than his previous works. An identical replica of "Seated Woman" can be found in Louvain-la-Neuve on Place de l'Accueil, while an even larger version adorned with clothing is displayed on the Berlaimontlaan between the National Bank of Belgium and Saint Gudula in Brussels. George Grard (1901-1984) was a celebrated figurative sculptor from Belgium. Born in 1901, he went on to study drawing, sculpture, and painting at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Tournai. His impressive body of work earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious "Reuben Award" from the Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels in 1930. In 1931, Grard co-founded the School of St. Idesbald with a few artist friends, including his close companion Paul Delvaux. Two years later, he won the coveted "Prix de la Roseraie" at the Brussels World Fair. Additionally, Grard took home the "Prix du Hainaut" and the "Prix de la Picard Académie Libre de Belgique" in 1948. His remarkable artistic career culminated in his induction as a member of the Class of Fine Arts, Department of Sculpture at the Royal Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Fine Arts of Belgium in 1967. Five years later, Grard received the five-yearly prize for his outstanding contributions to the field of fine arts. Today, the George Grard Museum in St. Idesbald showcases a collection of plaster models, while his bronze creations are displayed at Ten Bogaerde estate.