Framed by the fading storm clouds of World War I, the statue of a young woman rises in triumphant song. With arms outstretched and head lifted, she sings the Belgian national anthem, La Brabançonne, as a billowing flag unfurls behind her. Conceived in 1918 by Belgian sculptor Samuel Charles (1862–1938), this bronze figure personifies victory from the war and national pride. In this close-up, the sculptor’s artistry is fully revealed—from the flowing lines of the woman’s attire, inspired by traditional folk dress from 1830, the year Belgium gained its independence, to the finely engraved Belgian lion on the inner fold of the flag. (Brussels, Belgium, June 2024. Photocomposite)

• For a full size view: Statue De La Brabançonne