Fonske - Leuven

The statue of Fonske is located on Rector de Somerplein. Its full name is Fons Sapientiae, Latin for Source of Wisdom. The statue was designed by sculptor Jef Claerhout and was donated to the city in 1975 on the occasion of the 550th anniversary of the Catholic University of Leuven.

Fonske is a student and holds a book in his left hand and pours water into his head with his right hand. However, according to the sculptor, it is someone who studies his behavior while pouring lager into his head. Student organizations disagreed and thought the image was a caricature of the drinking student. For example, the statue was renamed 'Source of Wisdom'.

Just like Manneken Pis, Fonske is occasionally dressed up by associations when there is something to celebrate. In Leuven, chocolates with the name Leuvense Fonskes are sold. These pralines also bear the image of Fons Sapientiae.

Willem Vandenameele