Statue of Michiel de Ruyter

The Statue of Michiel de Ruyter, known locally as Standbeeld Michiel de Ruyter, stands proudly on Boulevard de Ruyter in Vlissingen, a town in the Dutch province of Zeeland. This statue commemorates one of the Netherlands' most celebrated naval heroes, Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter, who was born in Vlissingen in 1607. The statue, created by the Flemish sculptor Louis Royer, was unveiled in 1841 and has since become a beloved landmark in the town.

The History of the Statue

The journey to erect the Statue of Michiel de Ruyter began in 1830 when members of the Vlissingen department of the Maatschappij tot Nut van 't Algemeen (Society for Public Welfare) formed a committee to raise a monument in honor of De Ruyter. It took over a decade of planning, fundraising, and construction before the statue was finally unveiled on August 25, 1841, by King Willem II, accompanied by Princes Willem, Alexander, and Hendrik.

Louis Royer, the sculptor, initially created a clay model of the statue, which was then cast in iron by the Van Vlissingen & Dudok van Heel machine factory in Amsterdam. To save costs, the statue was made of iron instead of the more expensive bronze, and it was painted green to give it a bronze-like appearance. The statue depicts De Ruyter standing on a ship's deck, with one hand on his hip and the other holding a telescope, symbolizing his prowess as a naval commander.

Relocation and Enhancements

Originally placed on De Ruyterplein, the statue was moved to a more prominent location on the Keizersbolwerk in 1894. This decision was made by the Maatschappij tot Nut van 't Algemeen in cooperation with the municipality of Vlissingen. Despite some local opposition, the relocation aimed to give the statue a more distinguished setting. The move was completed in June 1894, and the statue was re-unveiled by Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Regent Emma on August 23, 1894.

In 1902, two bronze cannons were discovered in the Strait of Messina, remnants of De Ruyter's fleet from the Battle of Augusta in 1676, where De Ruyter was mortally wounded. These cannons were acquired by the Dutch state and placed beside the statue in 1905, further enhancing the monument's historical significance. The cannons were unveiled by Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Hendrik on August 28, 1905, during the return of the Java Division squadron from the Dutch East Indies.

Restoration and Preservation

Over the years, the Statue of Michiel de Ruyter has undergone several restorations to preserve its condition. A significant restoration effort began in 2006, focusing on both the statue and its pedestal, which had deteriorated over time. During the restoration process in 2010, it was discovered that the statue had been filled with lead during a previous restoration. This unexpected find extended the restoration timeline.

During the removal of the statue for restoration, a lead cylinder containing two parchment documents was found. These documents dated back to the statue's original placement in 1841 and its relocation in 1894. Additionally, a third document was discovered, which had been secretly added by the plumber who sealed the cylinder in 1894. Alongside the documents, eight photographs were found, four from the period when the statue stood on De Ruyterplein and four from its relocation.

Visiting the Statue Today

Today, the Statue of Michiel de Ruyter stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the Netherlands' greatest naval heroes. Visitors to Vlissingen can find the statue on the scenic Boulevard de Ruyter, overlooking the waters that De Ruyter once sailed. The statue is affectionately known as 'Michieltje' by locals, reflecting the town's deep connection to their famous son.

Standing before the statue, visitors can appreciate the intricate details of Royer's work, from the folds of De Ruyter's naval uniform to the determined expression on his face. The nearby cannons serve as a poignant reminder of the battles fought and the sacrifices made by De Ruyter and his men.

For history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike, the Statue of Michiel de Ruyter offers a glimpse into the storied past of Vlissingen and the remarkable achievements of its most celebrated hero. Whether you're exploring the town's maritime history or simply enjoying a stroll along the boulevard, a visit to this iconic statue is a must.

In conclusion, the Statue of Michiel de Ruyter is more than just a monument; it is a symbol of bravery, leadership, and the enduring spirit of the Dutch people. Its presence in Vlissingen continues to inspire and captivate all who visit, ensuring that the legacy of Michiel de Ruyter lives on for generations to come.