Last week, the statue of peace pioneer Bertha von Suttner was unveiled in front of the Peace Palace in The Hague. The statue was created by Hague artist Ingrid Rollema. With this artwork, the city honors a woman who was at the forefront of the international peace movement and has a direct connection to the first Hague Peace Conference. With this statue, The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, gains a powerful and enduring symbol.
Alderwoman Mariëlle Vavier (International Affairs) unveiled the statue: “Bertha von Suttner was far ahead of her time. In a world dominated by men, she, as a woman, dared to advocate loudly and clearly for peace and disarmament, and for international cooperation to achieve this. Her image now standing in front of the Peace Palace is not only a tribute to her work, but also a powerful message: peace requires courage, vision, and perseverance. Then and now.”
Who was Bertha von Suttner?
Bertha von Suttner (1843–1914) was a writer and one of the leading voices in the early international peace movement. With her book “Down with Arms!” she brought the horrors of war to the attention of a global audience. Her ideas and commitment played a significant role in the establishment of the first Hague Peace Conference in 1899. And in 1905, she became the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Von Suttner fought not only for peace but also for women’s rights, greater democracy, and equal social and political rights, believing that all these forms of justice form the foundation for lasting peace.
Meaningful place
The statue of Bertha von Suttner stands on Carnegieplein, directly in front of the Peace Palace: the place where peaceful solutions to international conflicts are worked on daily. This location is particularly significant because Bertha von Suttner was an advocate for an international Court of Arbitration. This court has been located here since 1913.
For the 100th anniversary of the Peace Palace, artist Ingrid Rollema was asked to create a sculpture of Von Suttner. The result was a bust with the title of Von Suttner’s famous book inscribed on the base.
Importance for the city
With the installation of this statue, The Hague once again underscores its role as a city where peace and justice are visible, tangible, and vibrant in public spaces. The municipality of The Hague is grateful to the Carnegie Foundation for donating the statue.
Alderwoman Saskia Bruines (Culture): “The statue of Bertha von Suttner tells a powerful story of courage and peace. It’s wonderful that everyone can get to know her in this way. The power of outdoor artworks is that they are accessible to everyone and enrich the experience of the city.”
Text & Images: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation: The Hague Online