Mestreechter Geis

A difficult to translate concept made visible by sculptor Mari Andriessen (1897-1979) in a figurine of the same name. "Geis" stands for esprit, nature, temper or character.
It will be no secret that the Maastricht native's nature is one of joie de vivre, a little nonchalant perhaps, focused on the good things in life and the pleasures of life.
On top of that, he has a highly developed sense of relativity.

The term "Mestreechter Geis" was first formulated in 1955 by Loe Meuse in his operetta "Veer Mestreechteneere nao de maon". Afterwards, Mari Andriessen gave shape to the Mestreechter Mestreechter Geis in a statue that was placed on the small square near the Stokstraat and Maastrichter Smedenstraat in 1962, as a gift from the city to the then mayor Mr W. Baron Michiels van Kessenich, on the occasion of his 25th anniversary in office. The Replica Foundation was given permission to produce a reduced copy of the statue. The model for this replica was made by Yvonne Drummen. The replicas are available exclusively at the Maastricht Store.

Want to know more about what the Mestreevhter Geis means for Maastricht? Click here for more information.