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Items tagged with: BatistVermeulen
A Timeless Tale of Friendship Immortalized in Antwerp
Content warning: Discover the moving sculpture of Nello and Patrasche in Antwerp, Belgium—a timeless tribute to love, loyalty, and friendship inspired by A Dog of Flanders.
In the heart of Antwerp, Belgium, a touching sculpture by artist Batist Vermeulen, also known as Tist, brings to life the beloved story of Nello and his loyal dog Patrasche.
Inspired by the 1872 novel A Dog of Flanders by Marie Louise de la Ramée (pseudonym Ouida), this poignant artwork has become a symbol of enduring friendship and resilience.
The Story Behind the Sculpture
Set in Antwerp, the novel follows the bond between Nello, an orphaned boy, and Patrasche, an abandoned cart dog. Their journey of love and struggle culminates in a heart-wrenching moment inside the Cathedral of Our Lady, where the two find solace together in their final moments.
The sculpture, located near the Cathedral, captures this emotional scene with Nello and Patrasche lying under a blanket seamlessly integrated into the square’s cobblestone design. It’s a powerful reminder of the hardships they faced and the strength of their connection.
More amazing sculptures: 30 Sculptures You (probably) Didn’t Know Existed
A Global Symbol of Friendship
While rooted in Belgium, the story of Nello and Patrasche gained immense popularity in Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, largely thanks to a 1970s anime adaptation. This cultural resonance has made the sculpture a must-visit destination for international travelers, particularly from these countries.
A Monument for All
Batist Vermeulen’s work is more than a tribute to a cherished story. It speaks to universal themes of love, loyalty, and perseverance, resonating deeply with all who encounter it.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re in Antwerp, this touching artwork is a can’t-miss destination. Located at the foot of the Cathedral of Our Lady, it’s a place to reflect on the beauty of friendship and the timeless stories that unite us all.
More: 8 Stunning Dog Murals Around the World
What does the story of Nello and Patrasche mean to you?
Share your thoughts in the comments or let us know if this sculpture is on your travel list!
Sculptures You (probably) Didn’t Know Existed (30 Photos)
I love stumbling upon art that feels like a hidden gem—those incredible sculptures that stop you in your tracks and make you wonder, “How did I not know this existed?”
From massive figures seemingly rising from the earth to intricate works that play with gravity, these sculptures redefine what’s possible. Join me on a journey through 30 of the most amazing sculptures around the world, each with its own story and artistry that you probably didn’t know was out there.More: Sculptures With True Creativity (12 Photos)
1. The Statue of King Arthur, located in Tintagel, England, is a striking bronze sculpture by artist Rubin Eynon.
Erected in 2016, this statue stands on the cliffs of Tintagel Castle, a site steeped in Arthurian legend. The sculpture, named “Gallos” (meaning “power” in Cornish), depicts a cloaked and crowned King Arthur holding his sword, with his body appearing to merge with the landscape.This artwork symbolizes the enduring power and mystery of the Arthurian legends that are deeply rooted in the area.
More like this: 9 Amazing sculptures by Bruno Catalano: Fragmented travelers
2. Albert György’s sculpture, Melancholy, captures the emptiness left by grief.
As John Maddox eloquently states, “We may look as if we carry on with our lives as before… but this emptiness is how we all feel… all the time.”3. Christ of the Abyss is an extraordinary bronze statue created by Guido Galletti in 1954.
This unique piece rests on the seabed of the Mediterranean Sea, nestled between Camogli and Portofino on the Italian Riviera. Submerged beneath the azure waters, it continues to captivate divers and visitors with its serene and mystical presence.4. This colossal sculpture was created nearly 450 years ago by Flemish sculptor Giambologna as a symbol of Italy’s Apennine mountains. Standing at nearly 14 meters (45 ft) tall, it was commissioned by Francesco de Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in 1579.
Positioned above a pond, the statue features a chamber in its head where Francesco would sit and fish at night. When a fire was lit inside, the Colossus’s eyes glowed red, and smoke billowed from its nostrils, creating a striking visual effect.5. The Christ the Redeemer statue, standing atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
This 30-meter (98 ft) tall statue, with arms stretching 28 meters (92 ft) wide, overlooks the city, symbolizing peace and welcoming all with open arms. Completed in 1931 and designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, it has become a symbol of Christianity around the globe and an enduring image of Brazil.More: Christ the Redeemer: An Icon of Faith and Artistry
6. Not the most amazing statue, but definitely an amazing story. In Istanbul, Turkey, they made a statue to honor the famous stray cat (Tombili) that used to sit in this position and watch the passers by.
One month after its installation the sculpture went missing. A comment from Turkey MP Tuncay Özkan: “They stole the Tombili statue. They are enemies of everything beautiful. All they know is hate, tears and war”. The statue was safely returned a short time later. More photos here.7. This eagle sculpture is the world’s largest bird statue, created by Indian artist Rajiv Anchal.
Located at Jatayu Earth’s Center in Kerala, India, the sculpture took a decade to complete. Spanning 200 feet in length, 150 feet in width, and 70 feet in height, this colossal work of art depicts the mythical eagle Jatayu from the Indian epic, Ramayana.8. This stunning marble sculpture, Ajax and Cassandra, was crafted in 2022 by renowned Italian contemporary artist Jago.
The piece beautifully captures the dramatic moment between the Greek hero Ajax and the Trojan priestess Cassandra.9. Sendai Daikannon in Japan, the eighth-tallest statue in the world at 100 meters (330 ft).
Its serene, watchful presence overlooks the quiet urban landscape, creating a striking contrast between its massive spiritual form and the everyday city life below.10. The great challenge by Nicolas Lavarenne. Antibes, French Riviera.
This striking bronze sculpture depicts a dynamic, elongated figure balancing on the edge of a cliff, arms outstretched as if preparing to leap into the vast blue sea below.11. This is how the Statue of Unity in India looks like. It’s the tallest statue in the world: standing at 182 meters (597 ft) tall, it’s nearly three times the height of the Statue of Liberty.
This monumental statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key leader in India’s independence, stands on a massive platform with an observation deck, emphasizing its grandeur and scale.12. This sculpture by Bruno Catalano
Portrays the profound emptiness experienced by migrants as they depart from their homeland—leaving their loved ones and their community behind—in pursuit of a better life:More: 9 Fragmented travelers – Amazing sculptures by Bruno Catalano
13. The incredible statue of Neptune (Poseidon) in Gran Canaria, Spain
Statue of Neptune (Poseidon) in Gran Canaria, Spain, standing powerfully against the waves with a trident in hand. This impressive sculpture captures the mythical god of the sea in a commanding pose, evoking themes of strength and the majesty of the ocean.More: The incredible ocean statue of Neptune (Poseidon) in Gran Canaria, Spain
14. Leshan Giant Buddha in China (800 AD) At 71 meters (233 ft) tall, this is the tallest pre-modern statue on Earth.
The Leshan Giant Buddha is carved into the cliffside in Leshan, Sichuan, China, overlooking the convergence of three rivers.15. Close-up views of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s marble statue of David, housed in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, Italy.
The dynamic sculpture captures the biblical hero mid-action, winding up to sling a stone. Bernini’s David is depicted with intense focus, furrowed brows, and clenched lips, conveying determination. The statue’s muscular arms and detailed hands grip the twisted ropes of the sling, showcasing Bernini’s skill in portraying tension and movement in marble. This statue contrasts Michelangelo’s famous David by capturing the hero in the midst of battle rather than in a calm, contemplative stance.16. The Kiss of Death is a marble sculpture made in 1930 and found in Poblenou Cemetery, Barcelona.
This emotionally intense sculpture is renowned for its depiction of the delicate boundary between life and death, symbolized by Death’s kiss.17. The Weight of Thought, bronze sculptures by Thomas Lerooy.
18. Victor Noir’s grave in Père-Lachaise cemetery, created by Patrick Magaud in 1984, has gained fame not for Noir’s journalistic work but for the legend surrounding his death and burial site.
Noir was a journalist shot dead, and his grave features a full-sized bronze statue of him lying down, as if recently shot. Over time, the statue became a fertility symbol.Legend has it that kissing the statue on the lips, leaving a flower in Victor’s hat, and rubbing the genital area enhances fertility, improves one’s sex life, or helps find a husband within a year. This has led to the lips and trousers’ bulge on the statue becoming noticeably shiny from repeated contact.
In 2004, a fence was erected around the grave to prevent this practice, but public protest led to its removal. Victor Noir’s grave remains one of the most visited and talked-about monuments in Père-Lachaise.
19. The amazing handkerchief detail in this marble statue made by French sculptor Louis Philippe Mouchy in 1781.
Featuring a highly realistic handkerchief carved to appear as delicate lace, draped around the neck of the figure. The sculpture captures the fine details of the lacework, folds, and textures, showcasing Mouchy’s skill in replicating soft fabrics in hard marble, a testament to his mastery of the medium. The statue also displays the figure’s elaborate curls and formal attire, highlighting the elegance and refinement typical of 18th-century French sculpture.20. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, a renowned Baroque sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, located in the Cornaro Chapel of Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome.
This intricate marble sculpture depicts Saint Teresa of Ávila in a moment of religious ecstasy, her face expressing both pain and bliss as an angel holds a golden spear poised above her. Radiant golden rays crafted from gilded bronze descend from above, symbolizing divine light and adding dramatic intensity to the scene.21. Luo Li Rong is a contemporary artist renowned for crafting hyper-realistic clay and bronze sculptures.
22. The Dignity statue in South Dakota, a stunning 50-foot-tall sculpture of a Native American woman draped in a star quilt.
The statue features a blend of metal and vibrant blue diamond shapes that catch the light, symbolizing the cultural heritage and spirit of the Lakota and Dakota people. The woman’s expression is serene, with her arms outstretched as if embracing the landscape around her.24. Freedom Sculpture, Philadelphia
“I wanted to create a sculpture almost anyone, regardless of their background, could look at and instantly recognize that it is about the idea of struggling to break free. This sculpture is about the struggle for achievement of freedom through the creative process” — Zenos Frudakis:25. The vision of Constantine by Bernini is arguably one of the most underrated sculpture in art history.
Gian Lorenzo revolutionized the art form by infusing unprecedented movement into stone.26. The Mud Maid by Sue Hill, located in the Lost Garden of Heligan, Cornwall, UK.
Depending on the time of the year, the mud maid’s hair and clothes change when the seasonal plants and moss grow over the sculpture.More: Mud Maid – Living sculpture by Sue and Pete Hill (5 photos and video).
27. Departure, a stunning bronze sculpture by artist George Lundeen, highlighted by the frost.
The sculpture is subtly highlighted by a layer of frost, enhancing the scene with a sense of cold and quiet intimacy, as if capturing a moment of departure or waiting.28. The Resting Boxer, crafted more than 2,000 years ago, is one of the most realistic sculptures ever made and one of the finest examples of bronze sculptures to have survived from the ancient world.
It was excavated in Rome in 1885. Its incredible features, such as its pose, gaze, broken nose, cauliflower ears, scarred face, and bruised eyes, have been enchanting the world ever since.30. The mesmerizing details of The West Wind, a surreal marble sculpture by American artist Thomas Ridgeway Gould.
Gould’s masterpiece likely drew inspiration from Percy Shelley’s “Ode to the West Wind,” in which the west wind serves as an allegory for the cyclical nature of change and revolution:More: Sculptures That Blend With Nature (10 Photos)
Which sculpture is your favorite?
Fragmented travelers by Bruno Catalano (10 Photos) - STREET ART UTOPIA
Embracing the Journey: Bruno Catalano’s Vision In the vast and versatile world of sculpture, few artists can make a claim to a style so unique that it becomes instantly recognizable. Bruno Catalano is one such artist.Vidar (Street Art Utopia)
Home - Studio Tist
The art of Batist Vermeulen Featured project:Multitude Scroll Sculpting scratching the surface Drawing in charcoal...Studio Tist
8 Stunning Dog Murals Around the World (For Dog Lovers!)
Content warning: Which one is your favorite?
Dogs have inspired countless works of art worldwide.
Murals featuring these loyal companions brighten urban spaces and bring comfort to those who pass by. Here are eight stunning murals and artworks celebrating dogs.
Love cats to? Go here!: 43 Purrfect Street Art Pieces – A Tribute to Our Cats
1. Lalone’s Mural in Málaga, Spain
This mural by Lalone in Málaga, Spain, shows a hooded figure sitting with two dogs. The photorealistic details and street-style elements create a touching scene of companionship. See more photos and details here.
2. “E ‘Torre” by Giulio Masieri in Pordenone, Italy
Giulio Masieri’s “E ‘Torre” mural in Pordenone, Italy, depicts a large dog resting. The realistic style captures the dog’s calm posture and expressive eyes. See more photos and details here.
3. Clara Leff’s Mural in São Paulo, Brazil
Clara Leff’s vibrant mural in São Paulo, Brazil, features a close-up of a dog’s face against a bright yellow circle. The lifelike details emphasize the dog’s soulful expression. See more photos and details here.
4. WOSKerski’s Mural in Penge, South East London, England
In Penge, WOSKerski’s mural showcases a playful dog with its tongue sticking out. The exaggerated features and bold yellow background make this artwork eye-catching. See more photos and details here.
5. Springer Spaniel by Spacehop in Exeter, UK
Spacehop, also known as Jeff Evans, painted a realistic Springer Spaniel on the Exe Bridge in Exeter, UK. The mural’s detailed depiction of the dog adds charm to its urban setting. See more photos and details here.
6. Smates’ Underwater Dog in Mechelen, Belgium
Smates created a mural in Mechelen showing a dog diving underwater. The dynamic composition and realistic water effects bring the scene to life. See more photos and details here.
7. Jimmy Dvate’s Silo Art in Major Plains, Australia
Jimmy Dvate’s mural on a grain silo in Major Plains, Australia, features a working dog. The attention to detail highlights the dog’s sharp gaze and natural strength. See more photos and details here.
8. Batist Vermeulen’s Sculpture in Antwerp, Belgium
In Antwerp, Batist Vermeulen’s sculpture shows a child and a dog lying under a cobblestone blanket. The piece blends seamlessly with the plaza’s design. See more photos and details here.
These eight murals and artworks celebrate dogs in diverse artistic styles, from photorealism to playful exaggeration. Which one is your favorite? Let us know!
Which one is your favorite?
45 Purrfect Street Art Pieces: A Tribute to Our Cats
The world of street art is a vibrant, ever-evolving canvas that reflects the thoughts, ideas, and aesthetics of diverse cultures around the globe. Among this profusion of creativity, one subject stands out and continues to inspire artists across borders and continents – the cat.
This feline-inspired street art phenomenon is far-reaching, with each corner of the world lending its own unique perspective to the representation of cats in public art. In the bustling cities of Japan, for example, where the cat is considered a symbol of good luck, you might spot murals depicting ‘Maneki-neko’ or the ‘beckoning cat’, a common Japanese talisman believed to bring fortune and prosperity.Across the Atlantic, in the urban landscapes of New York or Los Angeles, artists portray cats as emblems of the city’s spirit – independent, resourceful, and resilient. These murals often depict cats prowling rooftops or lounging lazily in the sun-drenched corners of the city, much like their human counterparts.
The styles in this collection range from super realistic to bold and colorful. Each piece tells its own story, celebrating how much people love cats. This collection is full of surprises and purr-sonality!
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About: House turned into a giant cardboard box with a cat2.
About: The Giant Kitten3.
About: The Red Cat Mural: A Street Art Piece by LeHo Artwork in Taipei4.
About: They made a statue to honor a stray cat that used to sit in this position and watch the passers by5.
About: Street (cat) Art by SWIFTMANTIS in Papaioea, New Zealand (4 photos)6.
About: Street Art by DALeast – In Paris, France7.
About: Cat! – Street art by Näutil in Réthoville, France (9 photos)8.
Photo by Strangefruit Street Art.
About: Pelle Svanslös mural by Charlie Granberg in Uppsala, Sweden.9.
About: Summer and Winter by Braga Last One in southern France (6 photos and video)10.
About: 6 pics: Lynx Cat – Made of plastic waste by BORDALO II in Lisboa, Portugal11.
About: Street Art in Valparaíso, Chile12.
About: Cat by Stamatis Laskos in Naousa, Imathia, Greece13.
About: Cat Mural by Dan Leo (+ 4 more animals)14.
About: Meow meow (5 photos)15.
About: Cat In A Box – By Vladi in Hong Kong16.
About: A feast for the eyes with the enchanting cat mural by artist Uriginal in Barcelona (4 photos)17.
About: Sleeping Painted Cat by Jack Lack in Grenoble, France18.
About: Black Cat mural by 3MK in Ptolemaida, Greece19.
About: Cute Star Cat by Sagie in Jönköping, Sweden20.
About: Cat waiting for mouse – 11 Paste Ups by LIZ ART BERLIN21.
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About: Cat in London by Neon Artist David Speeduk25.
About: Cat Lover by Spray Lover in Lisbon, Portugal (4 photos)26.
About: Cat mural by LexusOne in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia27.
About: We will meet again in another life when we are both cats28.
About: The natural movement of this cat sculpture is amazing29.
About: All Cats Are Beautiful (Dirty Van Art)30.
About: There was some racist rubbish here but I covered it up with this picture of a cat31.
About: Cat – Street Art by JPS32.
About: Sleeping kitten 2 by WA in Lima, Peru33.
About: Big ginger kitten escaping from the side of the building34.
About: 1312 Hello Kitty35.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHBH-nUJGx8About: Street Artist N.M in Flensburg, Germany
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About: Happy Cats! – In Kyiv, Ukraine37.
About: Unknown artist and location38.
About: Snow Cats climbing trees39.
About: Cat lights in Zelenogradsk, Russia40.
About: This is in Germany, made to honor all homeless cats (3 pics)41.
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About: #caturstones on #caturday44.
About: The Cat Trace (Caturday #69)45.
About: Street Art by 0331C – A Collection46.
About: 6 Photos of Street Art by Banksy in Gaza, Palestine: “People only look at pictures of kittens”Which cat is your favorite? Should we do more blog posts with street art of cats?
This dog doesn't realize that the cat is a painting
More Cats:https://streetartutopia.com/2021/05/29/cat-street-artist-nm-in-flensburg-germanyMore AMAZING graffiti, murals and street art: http://streetartutopi...YouTube