Wanderlust Collective

Manneken Pis

DEC 14/ by The Wanderlust Collective /Art, Brussels, Manneken Pis, Inspiration

I’ve been to Brussels many times and each time it’s a treat to see what Manneken PIs is wearing. It’s like a fashion show that spans six months. Every outfit he wears tells a story, and maybe that is the most fascinating part. He speaks through his clothes!

Who was this little boy you ask? Well…his name means “Peeing boy”, the French version, Petit Julien means “Little Julien”. The statue you see is a replica of the 17th century statue, the original stone one is much older. Le Petit Julien has been a mascot, public fountain, and the hero of many stories. He’s received gifts from Kings, and has been kidnapped, and saved, many times.

The "little peeing boy" has over 1000 costumes, and counting, as his wardrobe continues to grow every year.

There are many stories about little Julien, but my favorite is the one that involves a witch who caught a boy peeing on her front door. She was so angry, that she cursed him so he would pee forever. There was a man who witnessed this and replaced the boy with a statue. In another story, the witch not only cursed the boy with a full bladder for eternity but also turned him into stone.

This tradition of dressing up Manneken Pis started in the 17th century. He wore costumes for special festivities, and it was limited to a few outfits. After the First World War, many people wanted to donate costumes, so he got a new outfit every year.

After the Second World War, the little boy’s closet got even bigger, and grew to five to fifteen a year. Today the collection grows every year by about 20-30. Manneken Pis clothes have become an important part of the heritage of the city of Brussels. There’s a museum where each of his costumes are preserved, just like art.

This is only one of the things that makes Brussels one of my favorite places to visit. There is so much history, and stories. You want inspiration for art, this is a great place to start.

What will Le Petit Julien wear next...I can’t wait to find out.

Be inspired...Storytelling...Create...

Happy Painting! 😘❤️