Geert van de Camp Praise of Foolishness (1989)

In 1988, Erasmus University Rotterdam celebrated its 75 anniversary with a series of scientific and cultural activities, including the project Praise of Foolishness, to one of the most famous works of Erasmus. Geert van de Camp's design was chosen from eight sketch designs. The starting point of this design is the classical equestrian statue with in this case a donkey as a symbol of stupidity. The donkey has been transformed into a stylized structure of spheres and cones and the legs have been transformed into a stylized wave. It is a very recognizable work with a powerful form that you will not soon forget. It radiates monumentality and it has humor and lightness. The design is a contemporary ode to the literature and humor of Erasmus. Lof der Zotheid, a donkey monument is a striking sculpture that is well known in Rotterdam.