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L'Envol

L'Envol is a bronze statue depicting the Belgian singer Jacques Brel, sculpted by Tom Frantzen. It was inaugurated on the Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés in Brussels, following an initiative made in memory of the singer by the association of shopkeepers from the square. The statue was unveiled by Marion Lemesre, Brussels alderwoman for economic affairs, and Jean-Pierre Malherbe, president of the association. It stands just a few steps from the Fondation Brel.

L\'Envol bronze sculpture of a man in a suit singing into a microphone with his arms outstretched in a cobblestone square.
L\'Envol stands on a circular platform in a Brussels square, shown here against surrounding city buildings at dusk.
February 2018 © · CC BY 4.0
The Jacques Brel memorial bronze statue stands on a circular platform in a cobblestone square, with outstretched arms and a microphone stand nearby.
The Jacques Brel memorial bronze statue on a cobblestone square, shown with outstretched arms and a microphone stand.
February 2018 © · CC BY 4.0
L\'Envol, a metallic statue of Jacques Brel with outstretched arms beside a microphone stand.
L\'Envol, the statue of Jacques Brel in Brussels, shown on a cobblestone street at dusk.
July 2018 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Jacques Brel memorial bronze statue by Tom Frantzen, shown with arms outstretched on a cobblestone square in Brussels.
The Jacques Brel memorial bronze statue by Tom Frantzen stands on a Brussels square with surrounding city buildings in the background.
February 2018 © · CC BY 4.0
L\'Envol sculpture on a cobblestone square in Brussels, with historic buildings and a bare tree in the background.
L\'Envol stands in a Brussels square surrounded by historic buildings at twilight.
February 2018 © · CC BY 4.0

Identification

TitleL'Envol
TypeBronze statue

Historical context

PurposeCreated as an initiative in memory of Belgian singer Jacques Brel
Origin of initiativeA request from the merchants' association of the Vieille Halle aux Blés

Creator

SculptorTom Frantzen

Materials

MaterialBronze

Iconography and meaning

Depicted subjectJacques Brel
DepictionJacques Brel singing in front of a microphone with his arms open in a passionate gesture
PoseArms open toward the crowd
InterpretationAn attitude he liked to have on stage
Title meaning"The Flight"
Title referenceRefers to the line "Mille fois je pris mon envol" ("A thousand times I took my flight") from Brel's song "La Chanson des Vieux Amants"

Location and ownership

Inauguration locationPlace de la Vieille Halle aux Blés, Brussels
Current locationA few steps from the Fondation Brel, in the same street as the Brel Foundation

History and restoration

InaugurationInaugurated by Marion Lemesre and Jean-Pierre Malherbe

Other

Associated peopleMarion Lemesre; Jean-Pierre Malherbe