Copenhagen Faces Mermaid Controversy: Beyond The Little Mermaid Statue

(MENAFN- USA Art News) Copenhagen is known worldwide for its iconic Little Mermaid statue, a fairy tale sculpture that embodies the spirit of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tale. But recently, the city has been grappling with a different kind of mermaid issue.

The Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces has ordered the removal of a four-meter mermaid statue deemed artistically lacking. This more recent Mermaid sculpture Copenhagen featuring a rather provocative design, was initially placed near the famous Little Mermaid statue by Edvard Eriksen. However, its presence sparked considerable controversy. In 2018,“Big Mermaid” was relocated to Dragør Fort south of the city. However, this did not end disputes around the design of the statue. Art critic Mathias Kryger described it as“ugly and pornographic,” leading the agency to demand its removal, stating it“disrupts the structure of the military fortifications, according to the Danish Museums Act,”. The owner remains unknown, but the responsibility for its removal falls on that individual. The entrepreneur who commissioned it, Peter Beck, defends his Mermaid sculpture Copenhagen as proportional.

The Little Mermaid Statue: A Fairy Tale Sculpture Born from Art and Inspiration

While one Mermaid sculpture Copenhagen sparks debate, the original Little Mermaid statue stands as a testament to Danish sculpture and the enduring power of Andersen's story. Since its unveiling on August 23, 1913, the Little Mermaid statue, which represents as wonderful Danish sculpture, has become synonymous with Copenhagen.

It is a Danish sculpture created by Edvard Eriksen. This iconic Fairy tale sculpture may seem modest in size – standing at just 125 cm tall and weighing 175 kg – is a representation of Danish culture.

The story behind this Fairy tale sculpture is as charming as the tale itself. Inspired by a ballet adaptation of“The Little Mermaid,” Carl Jacobsen, commissioned Danish sculptor, Edvard Eriksen to create the work. Prima Ballerina Ellen Price was asked to pose but refused nude posing. Eriksen asked his wife instead.

Legend states Eriksen based the face of the Little Mermaid on Ellen Price, however the family of Danish sculptor, Edvard Eriksen claim that Eline Eriksen modeled for the whole of the Mermaid sculpture Copenhagen.

Officially presented on September 14, 1912, the Little Mermaid sculpture, was presented to the city on August 23, 1913 where it took it's place to overlook the ocean and become an integral part of Danish scenery.

Nowdays million people annually visit the Little Mermaid statue, seeing it as a must-see tourist attration that embodies the spirit of Danish culture. Sailors bring flowers to the Danish sculpture, and sailors see it as a bearer of good fortune.

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