Artwork Data
Artwork Location
Address
Madesteinweg, Den Haag
City district
Loosduinen
GPS data
52.046221328833, 4.2255683577721 View on map
Artwork Description
Text
The sculpture of a jockey in full action in the pond near the horticultural school seems to be an assemblage of pieces of metal welded together. In reality, it is a sculpture cast in bronze, the casting of which is loose and decisive. The jockey's tight outfit resembles a suit of armour. His crash helmet also resembles that of a medieval knight. Due to the horse's unprecedented speed, the jockey's upward swinging legs are stretched forward. With one free hand he tries to keep his balance and prevent a fall. With the other hand, he clasps the reins to spur and guide the horse.
Unlike the jockey, the horse is not depicted in its entirety. Jaroslawa Dankowa limited himself to depicting the animal's torso and head. The slightly hunched horse's torso reinforces the illusion of speed and concentration. The sculpture of horse and rider is characteristic of the sculptor's method and vision of man. The boldness with which she distorts his body proportions determines the expressiveness and speed of this sculpture.
Dankowa, who after fleeing from Bulgaria in 1948 took lessons at the Free Academy in The Hague, is generously represented with sculptures in public spaces. The Indisch Monument in The Hague is her best known monumental work. In addition, she has made many smaller sculptures in which she has depicted both the charm of daily life and the absurdity of existence. The sculpture of the jockey is very similar to the bronze cricket player that was given a place on the grounds of the Hague Cricket Club in 1978. Here, too, full action and extreme concentration go hand in hand.