Gedenkteken ter ere van Jacob van Maerlant in hout gesneden in het stadhuis van Damme 1732

This is a depiction of a wooden monument honoring Jacob van Maerlant, situated within the Town Hall of Damme. Though the artist remains anonymous, this carving is a testament to the cultural reverence for van Maerlant, a medieval poet, during the time it was made. The monument’s design incorporates various scenes and symbols, reflecting the social and intellectual values ​​of the community. Carvings depict van Maerlant in philosophical garb, and scenes of legal proceedings which suggest a society deeply invested in law, learning, and civic duty. These elements reveal how communities shape and memorialize figures who embody their values. Consider how the artist, though unknown, contributed to the collective memory of Damme. This artwork preserves van Maerlant’s legacy and reflects the social fabric of a community keen to uphold its cultural and intellectual heritage.