A Tale of Two Statues: The Humorous Heart of Belgium - 18th Aug 2024

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In Brussels, the capital of Belgium, there are two famous statues with a humorous "urination" motif.

The first is "Manneken Pis" (affectionately known as Julian), created in the 17th century. He is a world-famous icon with a legend of a boy who once saved the city from a fire. Although he is quite small, standing at only about 61 cm tall, he boasts a massive wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes gifted from all over the world, delighting visitors with his frequent outfit changes during events.


On the other hand, "Jeanneke Pis" (the peeing girl), created in 1985, is located tucked away in a narrow alley about a 10-minute walk from Manneken Pis. While she was established for a serious cause—to raise funds for medical research—her squatting posture is depicted so realistically that it often leaves visitors even more surprised than Manneken Pis. Today, she sits quietly behind iron bars installed to prevent vandalism.


One is a historic, heroic boy, and the other is a girl born from a modern charity. Both are unique tourist attractions that beautifully symbolize Belgium's free-spirited and humorous national character.


Nikon D850 / AF-S 70-200mm F2.8G ED VR II / F5 / 1/1600s / ISO1600 / 0.0


iPhone 12


    Camera : Nikon D850 at DPREVIEW
    Lens      : AF-S 70-200mm F2.8G ED VR II  at DPREVIEW 
                    


   English   Japanese

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