In February 2020, a video of Hersinde De Wolf began circulating on social media, in which she criticized the glorification of Reynaert. A few days later, signs bearing the hashtag #jesuisHersinde appeared around several Reynaert statues in East Flanders and Zeelandic Flanders. The campaign sparked a wide range of reactions: from enthusiastic supporters to outspoken critics, and it ignited a vibrant discussion about the deeper meaning of the story.

Reynaert is a polarizing figure, a master manipulator skilled in spreading false information, creating confusion, and twisting situations to his advantage. He skillfully exploits the ignorance and weaknesses of those around him—a thoroughly unreliable character who somehow always manages to get away with it. In an era dominated by discussions about fake news, viral hashtags, and issues like sexual misconduct, where opinions are often treated as facts on social media, the municipality found Hersinde’s character an ideal lens to reinterpret part of the Reynaert story in a modern context.

As part of a street art project, figures from the Reynaert epic have been brought to life in murals across various districts. One mural features Hersinde De Wolf responding to Reynaert with a raised finger—a bold act of defiance.

In the artwork, lilies play a significant symbolic role, representing gentleness, purity, love, fertility, femininity, unity, and the fleeting nature of life.

In contrast, the poppy is a fragile yet striking flower, known for its vibrant red color and wild nature. It thrives in unexpected places and resists being tamed—you cannot pick a poppy and keep its beauty in a vase. Bold, untamed, and stubbornly independent, the poppy serves as a counterpoint to the refined elegance of the lily.

This mural was created by the art duo Klapross, consisting of Ellen De Vos and Lut Vandebos.

Municipality of Sint-Gillis-Waas

Artworks