De redenaar van George Minne

A preliminary examination of the bronze sculpture, De redenaar (The Orator), created by Ghent sculptor George Minne (1866-1941), inevitably draws attention to the unusual pose of the male figure. Upon closer inspection, De redenaar reveals a profound sense of introspection – a recurring theme in Minne’s oeuvre. While the sculpture shares resemblances with a lawyer, the question of whether it effectively represents a legal professional remains unanswered, despite certain indications that suggest a portrayal of a legal practitioner. It is noteworthy that the creation of this work followed a period during which progressive artists and lawyers maintained close ties in their shared efforts to modernize and humanize Belgian society. A more in-depth exploration into the meaning of De redenaar leads the author to the conclusion that it symbolizes the processes of introspection and contemplation, coupled with persuasiveness. In this sense, it at least constitutes a significant source of inspiration for jurists.