Tom Claassen, Little man with loose limbs, 2003

Center of The Hague: Spui - Grote Markstraat - Kalvermarkt

Part of The Sculpture Gallery

A mannequin dangles loosely on a stick, over a pedestal. It doesn't have hands or feet, and it is faceless. Tom Claassen (1964) constructed the small figure from six small bronze tree trunks. The solid bolts that attach the arms and legs to the torso, give the impression that the mannequin can move, despite the weight. Claassen uses this contrast in material, form and subject to create confusion. This makes the puppet both funny and sad.

Website Tom Claassen

Tom Claassen, 2003, 'Little man with loose limbs', bronze
photo: Renate Boere, Cas Marks, Laurens van der Pool