The Boat

Isn’t art all about the details? On a corner building in Antwerp from the early nineteenth century, a remarkable Art Nouveau sculpture stands out: “Het Bootje” (“The Little Boat”). It’s not just facade decoration, but an elegant boat-shaped balcony projecting from the first floor.

The story begins with P. Roeis, an ambitious shipbuilder. Together with architect Frans Smet Verhas, he created a set of four buildings—known as “The Five Continents”—in vibrant colors and flowing lines. Roeis brought his profession into the design: the corner balcony was shaped like a ship’s prow, bearing his initials.

The loggia has five windows symbolizing the five continents. The ornate iron railings represent the turbulent seas—storms and lightning captured in metal. Beneath the white bow hangs a whimsical lamp, glowing warmly at night.

In the 1970s, one of the four buildings was demolished. Today, three remain, showcasing their lively Art Nouveau curves and colors. Locals and visitors fondly call the building “The Little Boat”. It stands as a symbol of Roeis’s maritime roots and a small masterpiece of modern design in this port city.