Ode aan Charley Toorop - Monument

The monument Ode to Charley Toorop on the sea dyke of Westkapelle is a special tribute to the well-known Dutch artist Charley Toorop (1891-1955).
An artist with a strong connection to Westkapelle
- Summer residence: From 1924 onwards, Charley Toorop came to Westkapelle almost every summer and felt deeply connected to the village. The village, the sea, the dyke and especially its inhabitants formed an important source of inspiration for her work. She painted powerful portraits and village scenes in which the character of Westkapelle clearly comes to life.
- Source of inspiration: Fishermen, dyke workers, farmers and villagers appeared in several of her paintings.
- Recognition for Zeeland: Through her work, Westkapelle also became better known outside Zeeland as a place of art, character and rugged coastal nature.
- Tribute: The sculpture Ode to Charley Toorop was created by artist Gijs Assmann. The artwork is cast in white bronze and realistically depicts items of clothing that recall the distinctive clothing style of Charley Toorop.
- Special location: The monument stands on the sea dyke of Westkapelle, close to the place where Toorop liked to go swimming. It almost seems as if she could return from the sea at any moment and put her clothes back on before returning to her beloved Westkapelle.
Practical information
- Access: The artwork is located in a public space and can be viewed freely.
- Tip: Combine your visit with a walk along the dyke, a visit to the Polderhuis or a short walk towards the beach and the lighthouse.
Ode to Charley Toorop is a small but striking monument that beautifully brings together art, the sea and the history of Westkapelle. It is a lovely place to pause for a moment and reflect on the special bond between Charley Toorop and this Zeeland dyke village.
Furthermore Ode aan Charley Toorop is near the following sights: Polderhuis (±70 m), Molenhoofd (±125 m), Playground Zeedijk (±200 m), Schoppesteele (±450 m) & Sherman tank (±450 m).
For information
Zuidstraat, Westkapelle