Theresia van der Pant

Theresia van der Pant (1924–2013) is regarded as one of the most important Dutch postwar sculptors of the 20th century. She primarily created abstracted animal sculptures in a figurative style, beautifully rendered in bronze or stone. Animals were her preferred subject; she studied them extensively at Artis Zoo in order to capture their essence. Giraffes, seals, fish, bison, and especially birds feature prominently in her oeuvre. Many of these sculptures are still installed in public spaces today. In addition, she made portraits of well-known figures such as Monteverdi, Stravinsky, and Aletta Jacobs—individuals with whom she felt a strong affinity. Her best-known sculpture is the equestrian statue of Queen Wilhelmina on the Rokin in Amsterdam, in which she successfully combined human and animal form.