Hert, 1929 (reproduction from 1954)

For over 65 years, the Hert has formed a striking centerpiece of Willemsplein in Arnhem. The sculpture was first shown to the public during the Sonsbeek ’52 exhibition. Originally titled Le Grand Cerf (The Large Deer), it was created in 1929 by the French sculptor François Pompon.

Pompon was known as an animalier: an artist who specialized in depicting animals. He observed living animals with great precision, but was also inspired by the forms of Egyptian and Oriental art. The Hert belongs to his later work, a period in which his career was flourishing. Characteristic is its smooth, polished surface: Pompon aimed for sculptures free of holes and harsh shadow.

Since its placement on Willemsplein, the Hert has elicited reactions. It quickly earned the nickname “De bok van de Boer” (The Farmer’s Buck) among terrace visitors of the then Hotel Royal, a playful reference to the hotel’s owner and the conspicuous direction in which the guests looked. Today, that nickname is largely forgotten. The Hert is now cherished as an iconic work of art and a beloved symbol of the city of Arnhem.