Nello & Patrasche Statue — Attraction in Antwerp

September 2025: "A Dog of Flanders" is a classic novel by Marie Louise de la Ramée, published in 1872 under her pseudonym, Ouida. The story is set in Antwerp, Belgium, and follows the poignant and ultimately tragic lives of a young boy named Nello and his loyal dog, Patrasche.

Nello is an orphaned boy who lives with his elderly grandfather, Jehan Daas. They are very poor, making a meager living by selling milk in the city. Nello is a kind, gentle, and artistically gifted child. He dreams of becoming a painter and is particularly captivated by the works of the Flemish Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens, which he often views through the windows of Antwerp Cathedral.

Patrasche is a large, strong dog, originally abused and abandoned by a carter. Nello and his grandfather rescue Patrasche, who recovers and becomes an indispensable member of their small family. Patrasche helps Nello pull the milk cart to and from the city, demonstrating immense loyalty, strength, and intelligence. He is Nello's closest companion and best friend.

Here's a summary of their story:

The story depicts their daily struggles against poverty, the beauty of their bond, and Nello's unfulfilled artistic aspirations. Despite their hard work, they face continuous hardship, including the loss of their primary customer, the false accusation of arson, and the eventual death of Nello's grandfather.

Nello, now completely alone and destitute, loses all hope. On Christmas Eve, cold and starving, he wanders to Antwerp Cathedral, where he finds Patrasche waiting for him. Together, they gaze upon Rubens's masterpieces, "The Elevation of the Cross" and "The Descent from the Cross," which Nello had longed to see clearly for so long but could not afford the entrance fee.

In a heartbreaking climax, Nello and Patrasche are found the next morning, frozen to death together in front of the Rubens triptych, having found peace and solace in each other's company and in the beauty of the art Nello so admired.

The story is a powerful tale of unconditional love, selflessness, artistic ambition, and the harsh realities of poverty. It has deeply resonated with audiences, particularly in Japan where it is immensely popular, leading to various adaptations in anime and...

In front of Antwerp Cathedral, a boy and his dog sleep in each other’s arms. Only a cobblestone blanket covers them. The statue depicts the poor farmer Nello and his faithful dog, Patrasche. The inseparable pair play the main role in the short story “A Dog from Flanders,” written in 1872 by the British author Uida (pseudonym of Marie Louise Ramée). The author got the idea for her book during a stay in Belgium. Uida was shocked by the way the Belgians treated companion dogs and wanted to expose this injustice. The story takes place in and around Antwerp. The Dog of Flanders follows the desperate Nello, who, after being wrongly accused of starting a fire in his village, goes to the Antwerp Cathedral to see the works of his favorite painter, Rubens, “The Exaltation of the Cross” and “The Descent from the Cross.” However, due to lack of money, he was unable to see the works of art up close. On Christmas Eve, Nello and his dog entered the cathedral when they found its doors open. The next morning, the boy and his dog were found dead from the cold, under the works of his favorite artist. The novel was translated into Japanese in 1908 and quickly became popular. Its popularity peaked in 1975, when Studio Nippon Animation Co. Ltd. released an animated series about the Nello-Patrasche duo, which was a huge success not only in Japan, but also in Korea and the Philippines. It took longer for the people of Antwerp to embrace Nello and Patrasche. It was not until the 1980s that the story gained fame in Antwerp and Belgium, and then a small statue of a boy and his dog was finally erected in Hoboken, a suburb of Antwerp where the novel is believed to have taken place. Toyota built a memorial plaque that was placed in front of Antwerp Cathedral, which was later replaced by the marble statue depicting Nello's final moments...

From the moment I set my eyes on the statue of Nello and Patrasche in the charming city of Antwerp, I was deeply moved. This remarkable sculpture is not just a testament to artistic skill but also a poignant reminder of the timeless story of love and loyalty.

Nestled in the heart of Antwerp, the statue captures the essence of the touching tale from “A Dog of Flanders,” a story that has resonated with many over the years. As I stood there, observing the intricate details of Nello and his loyal dog, Patrasche, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotions.

The artist has masterfully encapsulated the bond between a boy and his dog. The expressions on their faces are a mix of serenity and melancholy, inviting passersby to pause and reflect on the depth of their story. It’s as if each detail in the statue, from the gentle draping of Nello’s clothes to the protective posture of Patrasche, speaks volumes of their journey and ultimate sacrifice.

Located in a quaint spot, the statue also offers a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a perfect place for both locals and tourists to take a moment to appreciate the simpler yet profound aspects of life - love, loyalty, and friendship.

Visiting the statue of Nello and Patrasche is more than just a sightseeing experience; it’s a journey through a range of emotions and a reminder of the unspoken bond we share with our faithful companions. I highly recommend everyone to visit this moving tribute. It’s a heartwarming encounter that will stay with you long after...