Lambertus Zijl
Kralingen 1866 - 1947 Bussem
Lambertus Zijl was one of the most important Dutch sculptors at the beginning of the 20th century, born on 21 December 1866 in Kralingen. He played a leading role in the development of Dutch sculpture in the transition from the 19th to the 20th century. Zijl became known mainly for his contributions to monumental art and his collaboration with architects within movements such as the Amsterdam School.
Zijl studied at the Quellinus School of Applied Arts and the Rijksschool voor Kunstnijverheid in Amsterdam.
An important part of Zijl's career was his collaboration with H.P. Berlage, with whom he worked on the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam. For this building he designed sculptural elements that were not only decorative, but also linked in content to Berlage's architectural vision. This interdisciplinary approach made Zijl one of the pioneers of sculpture in public space in the Netherlands. Zijl also worked with other architects such as De Bazel, Kropholler and Staal.
His style was characterized by a mix of classical clarity and modern expression. The integration of his sculptures in buildings and public places made him unique in his time. He worked a lot in stone and bronze, and his work often reflects idealistic or symbolic themes.
Zijl is seen as a bridge figure between 19th-century academic art and the more expressive and functional approach of 20th-century modern art. His work can be found today in museums, public buildings and on squares throughout the Netherlands. He made an important contribution to the relationship between sculpture and architecture.
Zijl studied at the Quellinus School of Applied Arts and the Rijksschool voor Kunstnijverheid in Amsterdam.
An important part of Zijl's career was his collaboration with H.P. Berlage, with whom he worked on the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam. For this building he designed sculptural elements that were not only decorative, but also linked in content to Berlage's architectural vision. This interdisciplinary approach made Zijl one of the pioneers of sculpture in public space in the Netherlands. Zijl also worked with other architects such as De Bazel, Kropholler and Staal.
His style was characterized by a mix of classical clarity and modern expression. The integration of his sculptures in buildings and public places made him unique in his time. He worked a lot in stone and bronze, and his work often reflects idealistic or symbolic themes.
Zijl is seen as a bridge figure between 19th-century academic art and the more expressive and functional approach of 20th-century modern art. His work can be found today in museums, public buildings and on squares throughout the Netherlands. He made an important contribution to the relationship between sculpture and architecture.
