• Artist: Hildo Krop (1884-1970);
• Completed in 1913;
• Materials: bronze and brons en natural stone;
• Height: 145 cm;
• Donated by the Dutch Government in 1913.

Erasmus (1466-1536) holds a book under his left arm and with his right hand he points to the Great Hall of Justice. Carved in Latin on the column is “Dulce Bellum Inexpertis” – Sweet is the war for the inexperienced.

Erasmus is one of the greatest thinkers in Dutch history. He was a priest, theologist, philosopher, writer and humanist. Two central motifs define Erasmus’s thinking: the freedom of people and peace. In 1517, he wrote “The Complaint of Peace” in which he makes the angel of peace speak out against nationalism, especially when it is misused to make war, and in favor of international cooperation.

Please click on the pictures in the gallery to enlarge them.