“Starke Jâan” sculpture in welded steel by Louk van Meurs, Netherlands, c. 1970s

This monumental sculpture by Dutch artist Louk van Meurs, titled “Starke Jâan”, is executed in welded steel—a medium that amplifies its raw, architectural presence. The faceted volumes and angular construction give the work a commanding, almost heroic character, embodying both strength and abstraction. With its tactile surfaces and powerful stance, the sculpture transforms industrial material into a timeless artistic statement, merging figuration with modernist geometry. About the artist. Louk van Meurs (b. 1939, Netherlands) is a Dutch sculptor celebrated for his monumental and architectural interpretation of the human body. Educated at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam, Van Meurs developed a distinctive sculptural language in welded steel, marked by bold geometric structures and anthropomorphic resonance. His works, including “Starke Jâan”, reflect the post-war European exploration of industrial materials as vehicles for strength, endurance, and artistic expression. Condition. In very good condition, with natural surface patina and minor traces consistent with age and material.