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Balancing figure (Balancerende figuur)

Jan Steen

About this artwork.

High in the air, a fragile human figure tries to maintain his balance. Its rarefied appearance is accentuated by the tall bronze column on which the figure balances. In Balancing figure, the artist Jan Steen expresses both the fragility of existence and the (spiritual) resilience of man.
 
The sculpture was placed in 1999 at the then newly built Laarmanhof, as part of the so-called percentage scheme. This regulation, which was instituted by the government in 1951, stipulates that 1 to 1.5 percent of the construction sum can be used to embellish the buildings. A survey among residents of the Laarmanhof showed a preference for the placement of a figurative statue. The residents' committee chose Balancing figure from three works of art proposed by the municipality.
 
Jan Steen (1938-2016) attended Minerva Academy. In his earlier work he mainly opted for animal figures, in his recent work the abstracted man is central. Van Steen are several statues in the Municipality of Groningen.

Part of route.

Location.

Laarmanhof 1-87 Haren (appartementencomplex)

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Facts & Figures.

  • Design
    Jan Steen

  • District
    Haren en omgeving

  • Year of creation
    1999

  • Art type
    Freestanding sculpture

  • Material
    Bronze

  • Dimensions
    hoogte 3,50 m

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