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RSA (Pre-1994): Unveiling of Barry Hertzog Memorial Statue in Bloemfontein

RSA (Pre-1994): Unveiling of Barry Hertzog Memorial Statue in BloemfonteinRSA (Pre-1994): Unveiling of Barry Hertzog Memorial Statue in Bloemfontein
Form: Circular.
By: Tommy Sasseen
Date: 1968
Ref:  Laidlaw: 1420;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
33 mmGold 18ct30.9 gm$1,200

Edge: Plain. Stamped with hallmarks for 18ct gold.

Obverse: Bareheaded but of Hertzog wearing spectacles in jacket ant tie. Signed below: "T. SASSEEN".

Reverse: View of the statue. Legend above: "J.B.M. HERTZOG-MONUMENT 21.9.1968". Signed "T.S." lower left.

Notes: Comes inside a fitted presentation case.

James Barry Munnik Hertzog (1866-1942) was a Boer general during the Boer War and subsequently served as South Africa's third prime minister from 1924 to 1939. He encouraged the development of Afrikaner people, and was determined to prevent Afrikaner culture from being subverted under the influence of the British.

The statue forms part of the Hertzog Memorial Gardens in central Bloemfontein. It was unveiled on 21st September 1968. The Sculptor was Danie de Jager.

The statue attempts to contrast the different social standing of the Afrikaner and British people. There are three bronze components to the statue. The main part depicts a pondering Hertzog standing on a plinth in front of a concrete monolith. The other two are on the left, on a concrete stand in front of a concrete wall. On the far left, a poor Afrikaans family with the children reading from the Bible. In the middle, two standing prosperous British youths.