The Dokwerker statue in Amsterdam stands as a prominent testament to the artistic output of Mari Silvester Andriessen, a Dutch sculptor whose career spanned much of the twentieth century. Born in 1897 in Haarlem, he dedicated his professional life to the craft of sculpture, leaving behind a body of public works across the Netherlands that defined his national reputation.
Artistic Training and Career
Andriessen received his formal education at the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten. He maintained a consistent career as a sculptor within his home country, eventually achieving professional recognition through his membership in the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno. His portfolio included statues of historical figures, such as Cornelis Lely and Maarten Pietersz. van der Mey, as well as the statue of Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.
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Much of his work focused on memorializing victims and events related to the Holocaust. Among his significant contributions to public spaces are the Anne Frank statue in Amsterdam and the Vrijheidsbeeld, situated in the Groenendaal park in Heemstede. These works demonstrate his role in shaping the visual culture of post-war remembrance in the Netherlands.
Recognition and Legacy
Andriessen received the Prijs van de Stichting Kunstenaarsverzet in 1955 for his artistic contributions. Following his death in Haarlem in 1979 at the age of 82, he was interred at the RK Begraafplaats Sint Adelberts in Bloemendaal. In 1986, he was posthumously awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, recognizing his actions in protecting Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
Fast facts
- Born: 1897, Haarlem
- Died: 1979, Haarlem
- Nationality: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Education: Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten
- Award: Righteous Among the Nations (1986)
- Award: Prijs van de Stichting Kunstenaarsverzet (1955)
- Notable Works: Dokwerker, Anne Frank, Statue Maarten Pietersz. van der Mey
Questions readers ask
What is Mari Andriessen best known for?
He is recognized for his work as a sculptor, particularly for public statues and memorials including the Dokwerker, the Anne Frank statue, and the Vrijheidsbeeld.
Why was he named Righteous Among the Nations?
He received this title in 1986 for his efforts in saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust, meeting the strict criteria established by Yad Vashem.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 1986
- Worked as sculptor
- Educated at Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten
