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On the site of the former public slaughterhouse in the Laakhaven area now lies the Slachthuisplein. The layout of the square and the large glass roof still remind us of its history. In addition, there is this bronze statue, in which cattle and people are interwoven, by the Voorburg artist Aart van den IJssel. The sculpture was offered to the municipality in 1961 by personnel and users of the slaughterhouse on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The abattoir continued to function until 1985. Then, the Laakhaven area was turned over to large-scale new construction.

Man and animal' dates from Van den IJssel's early days when he made 'metamorphic' sculptures, such as a horse fused with its rider. He is best known for his metal, insect-like creatures, horses and riders with vicious protrusions and armour. The liberation monument on Burg. de Monchyplein is also by him: a metres-high fence with metal, fluttering birds against it.

The artist had an inexhaustible fantasy. He preferred to give shape to his ideas in metal, but in fact no material was too crazy. His house and studio were full of bizarre inventions, such as a chess game with bird remains cast in plastic, cutlery in the shape of a fish or a bread with white roses baked into it.

Van den IJssel spent most of his life in Voorburg, which was a regional artistic hotbed in the 1960s. Many artists lived there, including Termote, Rooijackers and Snoeck, and the 'Artistic Workgroup De Nieuwe Ploeg' organised exhibitions there with progressive Voorburg and non-Voorburg artists. His fantasy and unconventional use of materials made Van den IJssel a modest innovator in those days.
Although 'Man and Animal' is not so representative of Van den IJssel's innovative role, it is an excellent reminder of the history of this place.