Willem de Haan Replaces 19th-Century Fountain Statues with Hyperrealistic Locals in Nantes

In Nantes, France, a temporary public artwork by Dutch artist Willem de Haan (b. 1996) has replaced the 14 bronze allegorical statues of the monumental fountain in Place Royale, which date from 1865 and are currently undergoing restoration for the first time in over twenty years. Titled Latest Version, the installation features hyperrealistic sculptures of contemporary Nantes residents chosen for their professions or connections to urban change, including a welder from the local Airbus factory (replacing the allegory of shipbuilding) and figures representing evolving local industries like viticulture and agriculture. De Haan stated that while the square has seen many changes over 160 years—flower stalls, market stands destroyed by bombing, traffic, and a tram line—the fountain remained unchanged, representing a city that no longer exists. He questioned whether heritage should not also evolve with shifting priorities, morality, economy, and demography. The project, conducted with the Direction du Patrimoine et Archéologie de Nantes Métropole and the Architecte des Bâtiments de France, aims to highlight the original 19th-century narrative through a contemporary lens. Latest Version will remain on view until February 1, 2026, when the restored original statues are scheduled to return.