Belgian sculptor Mariette Teugels, 90, dies: 'One of Belgium's greats'

Internationally renowned and award-winning Belgian sculptor Mariette Teugels has died at the age of 90 in Mechelen. Europa Nostra, a European heritage organization, announced her passing, recognizing her as "one of the greats in Belgium."

Teugels, born in 1935, created bronze sculptures for various locations, including Mechelen, Sint-Niklaas, Brussels, and international organizations. Her works can be found at KU Leuven, the City of Mechelen, the City of Sint Niklaas, the City of Brussels, and the Papendal National Sports Centre in the Netherlands, as well as the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland, and sites in Italy, France, and the United States.

Europa Nostra highlighted the beauty and love for humanity and nature radiating from Teugels' creations. They noted the unmistakable elements of movement and strength in her bronze figures, characterized by the elegance of her subjects and the grace of their bodies and gestures. The organization also pointed out that Teugels' sculptures are accessible, speaking for themselves without appearing overly complex.

"What Mariette created radiates beauty and love for man and animal," Europa Nostra stated. "Movement and strength are unmistakable elements in her bronze sculptures. Very typical in her oeuvre is the elegance of her characters, the exceptional gracefulness of body and gestures." Teugels viewed the living model as a source of creativity that intrigued, touched, and seduced her with its diverse poses, sensitivities, and emotions.

One of Teugels' most recognized works is located in the inner courtyard of De Cellekens in Mechelen, a historically classified monument. In 2002, Teugels and her husband, photographer Herman Smet, received the Europa Nostra Award for 'De Cellekens,' which was also recognized as European Cultural Heritage. Europa Nostra concluded their tribute by saying, "The people Mariette shows in her bronze sculptures seem to smile at life."

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Beweging en kracht zijn onmiskenbare elementen in haar bronzen beelden. Heel typerend in haar oeuvre, is de elegantie van haar personages, de uitzonderlijke sierlijkheid van lichaam en van gebaren.