The statue was commissioned by the city of Antwerp specifically to acknowledge the novel's significance to Japanese pop culture.
Although largely unknown in Belgium for decades, the story gained fame worldwide through multiple Japanese anime adaptations.
The statue is carved from a single block of white marble.
The cobblestone effect of the 'blanket' covering the figures mimics the actual paving stones of the Handschoenmarkt square.
The original novel was written by an English author under the pseudonym 'Ouida' (Maria Louise Ramé).
The Nello & Patrasche statue, crafted by sculptor Batist Vermeulen, depicts the central characters from Ouida’s 1872 novel A Dog of Flanders huddled together under a cobblestone blanket. Located in the Handschoenmarkt, the sculpture memorializes the emotional climax of the story where the orphaned boy Nello and his dog Patrasche die together in the Cathedral of Our Lady. The monument serves as a tribute to the enduring popularity of the tale in Japan, where it became a cultural phenomenon, leading to significant tourism from Japanese visitors. The statue is made of white marble and represents the tragic yet tender bond between the protagonist and his loyal companion. It is a permanent public installation integrated directly into the city's pedestrian streetscape.
From a low angle, focusing on the detail of the marble carving with the Cathedral of Our Lady’s facade visible in the background.
Visit during the evening when the surrounding cathedral lights illuminate the statue for a more poignant atmosphere.
Look for the commemorative plaque nearby that explains the historical and cultural significance of the monument.
Plan your visit to coincide with a walk around the cathedral base to see the historical site where the fictional story concludes.
Do not treat the statue as a climbing surface for photos, as it is a respectful memorial to a somber literary ending.
