Christophorus, Gerhard Lentink

In the dunes of De Panne you will find the monumental Christophorus by the Dutch artist Gerhard Lentink. Evoking the history of the legendary giant, the sculpture is five times larger than life-size. The patron saint of travelers, Christophorus or Saint Christopher carried pilgrims across a wide, dangerous river. The giant's torso, transformed into a seat, therefore refers to this legend. Christophorus crosses the capricious dune area, as if he were crossing the wild swell of the sea. He is the great border-crosser in a changeable transition area between land and sea, between solid and liquid. Over time, the wood of the wading giant, present since the first edition of Beaufort, developed a beautiful gray patina.