War monument Dying man

The Dying Man is a war monument in the Belgian village of Houthulst. It is a bronze statue located in the market of Houthulst, designed by Pierre Devos, the son-in-law of Constant Permeke. It was cast in 1946 by the Batardy brothers in Brussels. Restoration was needed in 1993. The pedestal had cracks and crevices, and the statue itself had taken on a dull yellow color. The statue depicts a lying figure, a war victim. The posture of the head, arms, and legs showcases the desolation in the confrontation with death. The foundations are made of French limestone and form a cross. The heavy rectangular pedestal is made of Italian marble. On top of the pedestal lies a hard stone slab on which the statue rests. The vegetation around this statue also evokes a desolate, gloomy atmosphere. But it is also symbolic. The statue is surrounded by a hedge of palm plants. Palm is the sign of victory, but in the past, it was also used by the Church as ashes; this to remind people of their origin.

Contact details:
- War monument Dying Man
- Market, 8650 Klerken
- Web: www.houthulst.be

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