11Fountains Stavoren

The Fishfountain for Stavoren

The sea gives, the sea takes. Stavoren, once a rich Hanseatic city, has much to say on this subject. Floods, maritime trade wars, a port that silted up: the city fell into poverty several times. But again and again it focused on bringing new prosperity by its seafaring and fishing traditions. Folk stories such as ‘the Lady of Stavoren’ offer vivid tales of that every-changing fate. ‘The Fish Fountain for Stavoren’ adds a new story, with a nod to a symbolic print by Pieter Bruegel the Elder: ‘How big fish eat little ones!’ We see how the enormous open mouth of a massive fish swallows up those who venture past its water-spraying lips. Who can escape the lure of the Stavoren fish?

Mark Dion 

Mark Dion (1961) delves deep into the history of a subject or a location for his sculptures and installations and, as an archaeologist, brings to the fore all kinds of hidden aspects. His engagement with the world is often humorous, but also has sharp edges, particularly when it concerns usual historiography or our treatment of animals. The rich, but now largely hidden history of Stavoren suits him perfectly.

Tip: Combine your visit to the 11fountains with a city walk. A walking route through Stavoren along all the highlights of the city that you must have seen during your visit.