Pronunciation: [bˈiːld] (IPA) 
The word "Beeld" is a Dutch word that translates to "image" in English. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as [beːld]. The two dots above the "e" indicate that it is a long vowel sound. The "d" at the end of the word is pronounced as a hard "d" sound. The spelling of the word may appear unusual to English speakers, but it is common in the Dutch language.
Beeld is a Dutch and Afrikaans term that refers to a work of art that depicts the human form, particularly through sculptures or statues. Derived from the Dutch word "beeldhouwen" meaning "to carve" or "to sculpt," beeld represents a visual representation of a person or group of people. It commonly encompasses sculptures, statues, or any three-dimensional artwork created using various materials like stone, wood, metal, or clay.
Beelds have been used throughout history to commemorate or honor individuals, gods, or important events. They can be found in public spaces, parks, museums, or private collections, with each beeld representing its own unique artistic expression and cultural significance within a particular community or society.
The term "beeld" is often associated with the works of South African artist Anton van Wouw, who specialized in creating lifelike beelds that capture moments of historical and cultural relevance in South Africa. These beelds not only provide artistic value but also serve as historical records and reminders of the country's diverse heritage.
In contemporary usage, the term "beeld" can also refer to any visual representation, encompassing paintings, drawings, or even virtual artwork that depicts the human form. However, the primary connotation of beeld remains tied to the three-dimensional sculptural representations of the human figure.
The word "Beeld" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "bēlde" or "beeld", which ultimately comes from the Old Saxon word "bild" or "biliþ". In Old Saxon, this word referred to an image, statue, or representation. It is related to the Old English word "beald" and the Old High German word "bild", both of which also mean "image" or "picture". Over time, the meaning of "Beeld" expanded to include not only a physical image or statue but also representations in various forms such as photographs, paintings, or visual displays.
