(1810-1882)
The sculptor Eugène Simonis was born in Liège on 11 July 1810. He first exhibited at the salon in Brussels in 1834. His works include his most grandiose, the statue of Godfrey of Bouillon (ca. 1060-1100), erected on the place Royale (1848) and the pediment of the Théâtre royal de la Monnaie (1854). Simonis also completed ornamentation on the Colonne du Congrès, including the bas-relief, the allegorical figure celebrating freedom of worship, and the two lions at the entrance. He died in Koekelberg-lez-Bruxelles on 11 July 1882.
Historical Dictionary of Brussels. Paul F. State.