Leendert Bolle (1879-1942) – Sculptor in Rotterdam

Now on view: Leendert Bolle (1879–1942) – Sculptor in Rotterdam
From 19.07.2025 until 9.11.2025

Accompanied by a monograph written by art historian and leading expert on interwar sculpture Ype Koopmans (published by Clio), the modest yet impressive oeuvre of sculptor Leendert Bolle (first shown in 1946 at the Rotterdam Art Circle) is once again presented to the public. In collaboration with numerous loans from museums and private collectors in Rotterdam, and with a generous loan from the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Chabot Museum showcases the work of this innovative artist from his time.

Leendert Bolle

In the 1950s, this Rotterdam-based artist was regarded as one of the leading Dutch sculptors. Art critic Abraham Hammacher described Leendert Bolle as an “extraordinarily focused artist.” He admired Bolle’s balustrade for the G.J. de Jongh monument in the garden of Museum Boijmans (today’s Museumpark), considering it an absolute highlight of interwar sculpture. Bolle became especially known for the many medals he created, both as independent work and on commission. The exhibition presents a wide selection of highlights from his oeuvre, including medals, sculptures, as well as monumental sculptural sketches and drawings.

Back on display

Until now, no comprehensive overview has ever been published of Bolle’s modest but highly diverse body of work, which has unjustly faded into obscurity. He experimented extensively with different techniques and materials he encountered during his travels abroad. For instance, unlike his fellow artists who usually poured concrete into a mold, Bolle compressed the material into it. The result was a distinctly modern formal language, one that was also appreciated by fellow artist and close friend Henk Chabot. Now, his work is being embraced once again with a special exhibition and monograph, restoring Bolle’s recognition in Rotterdam’s (art) history and beyond. For this occasion, many sculptures from Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen have been restored and cleaned.

Traces in Rotterdam’s public space

Although Bolle’s work is seldom exhibited today, he left a lasting mark on Rotterdam’s public space. Everyone knows the stylized animal sculptures he placed on the slender columns at the entrance of Diergaarde Blijdorp (the Rotterdam Zoo) in 1939–40. For many, the value that Bolle added to the city where he lived and worked will come as a great surprise.

Exhibition

Leendert Bolle (1879–1942) – Sculptor in Rotterdam will be on view from 19 July until 9 November 2025 at the Chabot Museum Rotterdam. For tickets and opening hours, please visit the ticketshop.

A monograph by art historian Ype Koopmans, former director of Museum MORE in Gorssel and specialist in Dutch interwar sculpture, will be published to accompany the exhibition. The monograph is published by Clio Rotterdam Foundation.