De Gevallen Mens (The Fallen Human)

The history
The 'De Gevallen Mens' (The Fallen Human) monument in Asten was erected in memory of 94 fellow citizens from Asten, Heusden and Ommel who died during World War II, during the police actions in the former Dutch East Indies or in the service of the United Nations as a result of acts of war. In particular, the monument commemorates Mayor Wijnen, who was executed by the occupying forces in 1944. 

Unveiling
The monument was unveiled in 1968. The bronze plaques bearing the names of 94 war dead were unveiled on 4 May 2008. 
The monument 

Shape and material
The monument 'De Gevallen Mens' in Asten is a bronze statue of a reclining, nude female figure. The statue is positioned on a granite base plate. The plate bears nine bronze plaques with the names of 94 war dead who perished in the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies during the war. 

Symbolism 
The shape of the monument can be traced back to the Battle of Peel, in which many women lost their lives. The monument expresses the suffering caused by war. When it rains, the woman's belly becomes a bird bath – symbolising the fact that life goes on. 

Restoration
The sculpture was renovated in 2008. The pedestal on which the statue rested was removed in the process. 

Designer: A Kusters-Leenders; Klokkengieterij Eijsbouts (plaques). 

Type: Statue/sculpture

Location: The monument is situated in the Moussault Park in Asten.