Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis. This small bronze fountain statue, depicting a naked little boy urinating into a basin, is one of the most famous landmarks of Brussels and a potent symbol of the city's irreverent folkloric humor. Located at the junction of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne, just a short walk from the Grand-Place, the figure has been copied, celebrated, and stolen numerous times throughout its long history. Its enduring popularity has transformed it into a global cultural icon, with the statue regularly dressed in elaborate costumes maintained by the non-profit association The Friends of Manneken Pis.

History

The current bronze statue was designed by the Brabant sculptor Hieronymus Duquesnoy the Elder and installed in 1618 or 1619, replacing a previous stone version from the 15th century. Several legends attempt to explain its origin, including a tale about a lost son of a Duke being found in this pose, and another where a young boy extinguished a burning fuse set by enemies of Brussels during a siege. The statue's first recorded mention appears in administrative documents from the Brussels City Council in 1451–1452. It survived the Bombardment of Brussels by the troops of Louis XIV in 1695, though it was temporarily removed for repairs. Over the centuries, it became a prized target for theft, most notably by soldiers from the British Army in 1745 and by a French convict in 1817, with the original mold used for subsequent recastings.

Description

The statue stands approximately 61 centimeters tall and is crafted from bronze. It portrays a nude, curly-haired young boy with a slight smile, standing on a pedestal and urinating continuously into the fountain's marble basin below. The water is recirculated, and the figure is connected to the city's drinking water system. The sculptural style reflects the Northern Mannerism of the early 17th century, with a naturalistic treatment of the child's form. The statue is protected by a wrought-iron fence and is situated in a small, recessed niche at the street corner, making it an intimate yet surprising discovery for visitors exploring the historic Marolles district near the Îlot Sacré.

Cultural significance

The statue's cultural importance is immense, embodying the defiant and humorous spirit of the people of Brussels, often referred to as "Zwanze." This significance is amplified by the tradition of dressing the statue in costumes, which began in the 17th century under the rule of Maximilian II Emanuel and was later formalized. His extensive wardrobe, managed by The Friends of Manneken Pis, includes hundreds of outfits, and dressing ceremonies are often accompanied by music from the Brussels City Orchestra. The figure is central to local festivals and is ceremonially connected to the brewing of a special beer, Belgian lambic, at breweries like Cantillon Brewery. It has been referenced in works by Erasmus and Balzac and featured in films such as *The Adventures of Tintin*.

Replicas and copies

Numerous replicas and derivative copies exist worldwide, a testament to the statue's iconic status. Full-scale copies can be found in cities including Tokyo, Hakone, Nagoya, and Calamuchita. A notable replica was gifted by the City of Brussels to the United Nations in New York City. The figure also inspired the creation of companion statues in Brussels: Jeanneke Pis, depicting a girl, was installed in 1987, and Zinneke Pis, depicting a dog, followed in 1998. Miniature replicas are mass-produced as popular souvenirs, often in materials like chocolate from manufacturers such as Godiva.

Vandalism and theft

The statue has been a repeated victim of vandalism and theft attempts due to its small size and accessible location. The most significant theft occurred in 1817 when a man named Antoine Licas stole the statue; it was later recovered broken and was recast using the original mold. In the 20th and 21st centuries, it has been subjected to acts including paint attacks, decapitation, and being splattered with substances like blue paint by activists. These incidents often prompt swift restoration efforts by the City of Brussels, and security around the statue, including its protective fence and surveillance, has been increased over time to deter future crimes.

Category:Sculptures in Brussels Category:Fountains in Belgium Category:1610s sculptures Category:Tourist attractions in Brussels