Design for a Statue of Anton de Kom

Loon, Jikke van, 2005

Suriname became independent on 25 November 1975, 40 years ago now. With his book We Slaves of Suriname, Anton de Kom (1898-1945) fought Dutch colonialism. His verse ‘I will fight!’ was the inspiration for a bronze monument in Amsterdam’s Zuidoost district, of which this is the design. The statue’s nude portrayal of De Kom encountered fierce resistance when it was unveiled. Is the controversy surrounding this sculpture characteristic of the relationship between the Netherlands and Suriname?

  • Artwork typefigure, model
  • Object numberNG-2008-4
  • Dimensionsheight 300 cm x depth 150 cm x width 150 cm x weight 1115 kg
  • Physical characteristics Surinaams gele kabbes-hout