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Relief of Socialist Struggle (Reliëf socialistische strijd)

Arie van der Lee

About this artwork.

On the eastern facade of the Taco Mesdagplein, there is a gate with a sculpted frame. The gate dates back to 1888 and served as the entrance to the cooperative bakery De Toekomst for a long time. This so-called people's bread bakery was part of a cooperative that owned a large number of shops in the city. By paying an annual membership fee, members could purchase goods such as fuel, bread, and clothing, and it was also possible to participate in a fund for hospital care. Thus, the organization aimed to improve the welfare of the working class.

The relief on the gate symbolizes the socialist struggle, depicting an agricultural worker with a shovel and an industrial worker with a sledgehammer. They represent the glory of labor. The gate opening is adorned with a frieze depicting human figures in the nude. The two figures flanking the gate reappear at the extreme left and right edges of the frieze. The only woman in the image carries a child in her arms. The figure with the fluttering banner leads the socialist struggle. They all seem to be on their way to the place where the sun rises – to indicate that new times are coming. Over the sun, two male figures reach out to each other.

For years, the figures on the frieze and the two figures on either side of the gate welcomed everyone who visited De Toekomst. Until in 1973, trucks were purchased that could not fit through the gate. The inward-bending heads of the farm and industrial worker were knocked off. In 1975, bakery De Toekomst went bankrupt, and in 1986 the building was demolished. However, the gate was preserved, and the heavily damaged frame was restored.

Part of route.

Location.

Taco Mesdagplein 7

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Facts & Figures.