Model voor het monument Alcmaria Victrix, 1873 1873

This is Johannes Wilhelmus Franciscus Offenberg's 1873 Model for the monument Alcmaria Victrix. It appears to be made of plaster, a common material for preparatory models due to its ease of manipulation. Plaster allows for a direct, hands-on approach, enabling Offenberg to quickly realize his vision. The statue depicts a winged figure standing on a pedestal, likely representing victory or freedom. The choice of plaster, while practical, also carries a social dimension. It stands in contrast to the more prestigious materials like bronze or marble typically used for finished monuments. The texture, weight, and form of the plaster contribute to a sense of immediacy and accessibility, as if the artist's hand is still present in the work. Offenberg's model engages with the traditions of classical sculpture, but the use of plaster democratizes the artistic process. It invites us to consider the labor and skill involved in creating public monuments, and challenges the conventional hierarchies between fine art and craft.