Erasmus
Erasmus statue: the oldest bronze statue in the Netherlands
The statue of Desiderius Erasmus, located beside Sint-Laurenskerk, is one of Rotterdam’s most important historical monuments and is considered the oldest bronze statue in the Netherlands still standing in a public space.
The sculpture was designed by the famous architect and sculptor Hendrick de Keyser and cast in bronze in Rotterdam in 1622.
Hendrick de Keyser died in 1621 before he was able to fully complete the work, so his son Pieter de Keyser was responsible for finishing the project.
On 30 April 1622, the statue was installed at the Grote Markt, close to Sint-Laurenskerk.
The Erasmus statue during the Second World War
The statue has survived some of the most important events in Rotterdam’s history.
During the Second World War, it was removed to protect it from damage caused by bombing and remained hidden until after the war.
It later returned to the centre of Rotterdam and, following various changes to the city, eventually took its present position on Grotekerkplein, in front of Sint-Laurenskerk.
Erasmus and Rotterdam
Desiderius Erasmus was born in Rotterdam around 1466 and became one of the most important European humanists and thinkers of the Renaissance.
His connection with the city is even reflected in the name he used when signing his works: Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, referring to Rotterdam.
His name can now be found throughout the city. The Erasmusbrug, Erasmus University Rotterdam and numerous buildings and institutions commemorate Rotterdam’s most famous humanist.
The legend of Erasmus’s book
There is also an old legend connected with the statue.
According to local tradition, Erasmus turns a page of the thick book he holds in his hands every time he hears the bells of the nearby Sint-Laurenskerk.
Don’t expect to see him doing it, but the story has been part of Rotterdam folklore for centuries.
Erasmus statue: practical information
| ℹ️ QUICK INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| 🗿 Monument | Statue of Desiderius Erasmus |
| 🎨 Sculptor | Hendrick de Keyser |
| 📅 Year | 1622 |
| 📍 Location | Grotekerkplein, beside Sint-Laurenskerk |
| ⭐ Known for | One of the oldest public bronze statues in the Netherlands |
| 💶 Admission | Free, public space |
Other sculptures in Rotterdam
Cascade | De Boeg | De Reus | Delftsche Poort | Everybody is dead but us | Fikkie | Gevallenen | Maasbeeld | Marathonbeeld | Marten Toonder | Santa Claus | Untitled | Slavernij Monument | Sylvette | Verwoeste Stad | Westersingel