Lucien Wercollier, Luxembourgian sculptor (b. 1908)

Lucien Wercollier (1908–2002) was a highly influential sculptor from Luxembourg whose profound artistic vision and courageous personal history left an indelible mark on his home country and the broader international art scene. Born on July 26, 1908, Wercollier's journey through life and art was deeply intertwined with the tumultuous events of the 20th century, particularly World War II, which significantly shaped his thematic focus and commitment to humanistic ideals. He passed away on April 24, 2002, leaving behind a rich legacy of public monuments and museum pieces that continue to inspire reflection and admiration.

Artistic Expression and Materials

Wercollier's artistic practice was characterized by a remarkable versatility, though he gravitated towards certain materials that allowed him to explore the nuances of form and emotion. While he worked primarily with the timeless mediums of bronze and marble, known for their durability and expressive potential, his œuvre also includes pieces sculpted in wood, alabaster, stone, and onyx. This range of materials demonstrates his mastery of various techniques and his adaptability to different artistic challenges. His monumental public works, often crafted in bronze and marble, are particularly significant, commanding attention and fostering contemplation in the urban and natural landscapes they inhabit. Wercollier's sculptures are not confined to his native Luxembourg; they grace public spaces and museums in diverse locations, including Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Switzerland, and the United States, attesting to his international recognition and the universal appeal of his art.

A Courageous Stand: World War II Resistance

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of Lucien Wercollier's life was his unwavering courage during the German occupation of Luxembourg in World War II. At a time when conformity was demanded, Wercollier boldly refused to join the Reichskulturkammer, the Nazi organization established to ensure that all artistic creations adhered to an "Aryan" spirit and propaganda objectives. This principled stance immediately put him at odds with the occupying forces. His defiance escalated when he actively participated in the nationwide strike of 1942, a significant act of civil disobedience against Nazi rule. On September 4, 1942, he was arrested for his involvement, marking the beginning of a harrowing period of imprisonment.

Imprisonment and Legacy

Wercollier's ordeal began at the Neumünster Abbey in Luxembourg City, a historic site that now serves as a vibrant cultural center. Remarkably, within the very walls of his initial incarceration, the Lucien Wercollier Cloister was established, where a permanent collection of his private works is displayed, transforming a place of hardship into a sanctuary of art and remembrance. Following his imprisonment at Neumünster, Wercollier was transferred to the notorious Hinzert concentration camp in Germany. Located just 30 kilometers from the Luxembourg border, Hinzert was a grim destination for many Luxembourger resistance leaders. Today, a powerful bronze sculpture by Wercollier stands on the grounds of the former Hinzert camp, serving as a poignant memorial to the prisoners and those who tragically perished there. This artwork is a testament to his personal suffering and his enduring commitment to honoring the victims of the atrocities he witnessed. His journey through imprisonment continued, leading him to Lublin in German-occupied Poland, before he finally returned to Luxembourg upon his liberation at the war's end. His wartime experiences deeply influenced his art, imbuing many of his sculptures with themes of resilience, suffering, and the human spirit's enduring struggle for freedom.

In 1965, his connection to the resistance was further solidified when the lighthouse-shaped National Monument to the Strike was inaugurated in Wiltz, a city famously dubbed the "martyred city" due to the particularly brutal German response to the 1942 strike there. Wercollier contributed two significant reliefs to this monument, ensuring his artistic voice would forever commemorate the bravery of those who resisted.

Post-War Artistic Renaissance

With the war behind him, Wercollier immersed himself in the artistic currents of the post-war era. In 1954, he became a founding member of Iconomaques, a pivotal group of Luxembourg artists dedicated to championing abstract art. This initiative was crucial in shifting the artistic landscape of Luxembourg, promoting new forms of expression and encouraging a break from traditional artistic conventions. His work from this period often explored abstract forms, demonstrating a continued evolution in his sculptural language.

Prominent Works and International Recognition

Lucien Wercollier's sculptures are celebrated globally, adorning significant institutions and public spaces. His bronze monument Interpénétration stands as a powerful symbol at the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg, highlighting his contribution to European cultural heritage. Another of his notable sculptures, located in front of the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg City, was recognized on an eight-franc postage stamp issued by Luxembourg in 1974, a clear testament to his national importance. In Ettelbruck, Luxembourg, his beautiful marble monument La Vague ("The Wave") graces the grounds of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (Centre hospitalier neuro-psychiatrique), offering a sense of calm and movement to its surroundings.

His international prominence extended to the United States when the government of Luxembourg selected his sculpture Ascension as its official gift to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., honoring the legacy of John F. Kennedy. Additionally, his sculpture Altius ("Higher"), a magnificent tribute to the sport of pole vaulting, is proudly displayed in the Olympic Sculpture Garden at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, symbolizing aspiration and human achievement.

Among his most emotionally resonant works are those directly addressing the Nazi occupation of Luxembourg during World War II, reflecting his personal experiences and deep commitment to remembrance. His bronze sculpture The Political Prisoner stands prominently at the National Monument to the Resistance and to the Deportation within the Notre-Dame cemetery in Limpertsberg, Luxembourg City. This poignant piece also finds a place in the National Resistance Museum in Esch-sur-Alzette, ensuring its powerful message reaches a wider audience. Beyond monumental works, Wercollier's influence extends to awards design; he created the distinctive sculpture presented to recipients of the Vision for Europe Award, further cementing his legacy in both artistic and civic spheres.

FAQs

Who was Lucien Wercollier?

Lucien Wercollier (1908–2002) was a highly respected sculptor from Luxembourg, known for his abstract and commemorative works, particularly those addressing his experiences during World War II.

What materials did Lucien Wercollier primarily use in his sculptures?

He primarily worked in bronze and marble, though he also used wood, alabaster, stone, and onyx for some of his creations.

What was Lucien Wercollier's role during World War II?

He bravely refused to join the Nazi Reichskulturkammer and was arrested for participating in the 1942 nationwide strike. He was subsequently imprisoned in Neumünster Abbey, Hinzert concentration camp, and Lublin.

Where can one find Lucien Wercollier's works?

His sculptures are displayed in public places and museums across Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the United States, as well as at specific sites like the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

What is the significance of the "Lucien Wercollier Cloister"?

The Lucien Wercollier Cloister is located in the Neumünster Abbey in Luxembourg City, where Wercollier was initially imprisoned during WWII. It now permanently displays many works from his private collection, transforming a site of hardship into a cultural space honoring his legacy.

What is "The Political Prisoner" by Wercollier?

"The Political Prisoner" is one of his best-known bronze sculptures, dealing with the Nazi occupation. It is displayed at the National Monument to the Resistance and to the Deportation in Luxembourg City and also at the National Resistance Museum in Esch-sur-Alzette.

What was the Iconomaques group?

Iconomaques was a group of Luxembourg artists, co-founded by Wercollier in 1954, dedicated to promoting abstract art in the post-war era.