Leendert Bolle

This autumn, the Chabot Museum shines a light on the innovative oeuvre of leading sculptor Leendert Bolle (1879–1942). Sculptures, medals, sketches, and plaster models –including his animal sculptures at Diergaarde Blijdorp – offer new insights into his artistic legacy.

Despite Bolle’s pioneering techniques and use of materials in his sculptures, until now, there has never been an exhibition dedicated to showcasing the full scope of his work. In the museum’s light-filled, open spaces, Bolle’s plaster models, sketches, and sculptures will be exhibited. His artworks do not stand in isolation: they also live on as traces throughout the city: Bolle’s art is a silent exhibition spread across Rotterdam. One well-known example is the balustrade for the Gerrit de Jongh monument, located in the garden of Museum Boijmans van Beuningen.