AR TIS T E

very century has those great pillars that mark and shape society with

their talent. Loet Vanderveen is among those. One of the worlds most collected sculptors, Vanderveen’s works are a direct reflection of his passion for animals.

Loet Vanderveen was born in

Rotterdam, Holland. His home was very close to the zoo where he spent a great deal of his time during his early years. It was in this period of life that he developed his love for animals. At night, listening to the sound of wild animals in the zoo, he would fantasize about safaris to Africa— fantasies that were eventually realized! Hours before the bombardment of Rotterdam, the Dutch army was ordered to destroy all of the dangerous species in the zoo, and they unfortunately destroyed his home as well.

He escaped from occupied Holland and, upon his arrival in England, he was decorated for valor by Queen Wilhelmia. He served

“Ark, Noah’s Small” Bronze Sculpture, 17.5” x 7.5”

in the R.A.F. during the war. During the eleven years following the war he lived in Zurich, London, and New

FEA TURE

LOET VANDERVEEN July 24, 1921 - May 9, 2015

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OFF THE EASEL MAGAZINE – SUMMER 2015