War Memorial

About this artwork.

The war memorial in the Jewish cemetery commemorates the nearly 3,000 Jews deported from the city and murdered during the Second World War. The Dutch text on the statue is taken from the Old Testament and reads: “In life they were loved and admired / And not even in death have they parted from us”. The reliefs in the limestone depict biblical symbols, including a snake, a vine, a sword and a boat. A Jewish star forms the top of the monument. 
 
Willem Valk played an active role in the artists' resistance during the Second World War. As a member of the Central Artists' Commission, he coordinated financial support for members who had run into difficulties due to the loss of commissions (as a result of their refusal to become members of the Kultuurkamer). In the first decade after the war, Valk therefore was awarded commissions for more than 20 war memorials in Groningen and abroad.
 
In addition to war memorials, Valk made numerous portraits, nudes and sculptures for buildings in Groningen. Because of the latter he was given the unofficial title of 
city sculptor.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Willem Valk

• District
  Zernike

• Art type
  Monument

• Material
  Natural stone, Copper

• Dimensions
  h 3,72 m