The Hanseatic spirit

This work presents a collage of images from various eras that characterize Deventer. It begins on the left with the first bokking (salted and smoked herring); this fish is dragging a massive anchor, yet—thanks to a dynamic wave of the IJssel River—it receives just the push it needs to keep moving. The Kogge ship atop the hat sails across the IJssel, reminding us of our rich Hanseatic history. The Hanseatic merchant gazes at you with one eye, while the brim of his hat displays a beautiful interplay between feminine and masculine energy.

The other eye is shared with the red bokking, the second herring in the piece. Abstract shapes and pixels seamlessly connect the past with the present and the future. The books within the coat, depicted in theatrical motion, allude to the city’s status as a "City of Books"—both past and present—and encourage you to read.

The third herring, positioned above the hat, completes the trio—a reference to the famous "Three Herrings" national monument in Deventer. Historically, large quantities of herring were brought to Deventer to be smoked at the Bokkingshang (Herring-Smoking Sheds-street).

The Hanseatic spirit—collaboration, looking out for one another, and growing stronger together—is beautifully expressed in this mural, created in honor of the Hanseatic Year.

Have you spotted who this merchant resembles? It is a playful nod to the contemporary annual Christmas event held in Deventer’s Bergkwartier district.

Klaas Lageweg
Hailing from the north of the Netherlands, this artist creates murals all over the world. For him, art is a means of functioning autonomously within society; the process of creation and development brings with it a mix of conflict, euphoria, disappointment, and pride. In other words: paint keeps him going. He follows his instinct and intuition—allowing him to bring his ideas to life. His focus is always on the final result. Drawing inspiration from his everyday surroundings, his work is generally characterized by an observant eye. By combining seemingly contradictory styles—such as realism, pixel art, graffiti, and abstraction—he constantly pushes boundaries. - https://www.klaaslageweg.com/

📍Location: side wall of Lucardi Jeweler at Lange Bisschopstraat 37 in Deventer

Wall: Pontsteeg, Deventer

With thanks to the parties involved: Stichting Deventer Binnenstadsmanagement, Deventer Marketing, Municipality of Deventer, Loxam, Sikkens Deventer