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"Moïra, en Feuille Morte"

1978

Roel D' Haese

Greek mythology is the inspiration for this sculpture. Moira is the goddess who decides the fate of gods and humans. We normally see her with scales, among other things, which she uses to weigh and decide.

© Roel D' Haese. Photo: Tom Cornille

Details

  • Plan number: V14
  • Zone: Entanglement
  • Title: "Moïra, en Feuille Morte" (Moira, Among Fallen Leaves)
  • Creator: Roel D' Haese
  • Date: 1978
  • Material: bronze
  • Acquisition: purchase
  • Object number: MID.B.434

Roel D’Haese depicts her without attributes as a childlike, innocent figure. Not someone to fear. This is a reference to the alternative version of the story, in which it is not Moira who holds the scales, but the supreme god Zeus. She is merely carrying out his will. 

The fallen leaves to which the title refers contradict the innocent appearance of the image. Moira is and remains the goddess of fate who gives and takes lives.

The artist uses the formal language of nature—fallen leaves, seemingly blown together accidentally by the wind—to create the figure of Moira. Humans and nature also merge in the figure of Moira: she is a woman who personifies the natural cycle of life and death.

Roel D’Haese was a Belgian sculptor and graphic artist. He started by carving in stone, creating sculptures characterized by pure lines and restrained forms. Due to back problems, he switched to metal in 1953, creating fantastic human and animal figures between dream and nightmare. In these whimsical, surprising sculptures, he forged links to surrealism.

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