PASTOOR GORDIJN

PASTOOR GORDIJN (AUGUST NOBELS)

Large school buildings, a parish hall and a home for the elderly flank the wide Hofstraat. There, close to the statue of Our Lady Mary, in all its simplicity, is the portrait of Pastor Gordijn (1862-1939) located.

Gordijn was vicar of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw parish. He succeeded the socially committed vicar Petrus De Meerleer (1830-1912). Gordijn continues the social work of his predecessor. He had his portrait made by August Nobels, priest-sculptor and veteran of the first World War.

PastorThe Reverend Gordijn wears the Roman collar, part of the traditional clerical clothing.  He is depicted with a balding forehead,  intently looking eyes, his facial features emphasizing his character. This priest radiates empathy and affability : most certainly a realistic, expressive portrait.

NOBELS August (1884-1938)

August Nobels, priest-sculptor-sketcher, was a member of the famous and distinguished Nobels industrial family. His uncle was the well-known painter Jozef Janssens de Varebeke, whose portraits decorate the city hall.  He was ordained as a priest and was a doctor in canonic law (1911). He was a chaplain in the first World War and awarded the title of Chevalier in the Order of the Crown. He was a teacher at the Sint-Jozef-Klein-Seminarie school. A gifted autodidact sculptor, he made portraits and bas-reliefs. He designed the giant Nicodemus for the parade in Sint-Niklaas, for Belgium’s centennial celebrations (1930).

Kunst in de Stad – November 8^th 2003