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Edvard Eriksen — The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
Edvard Eriksen

The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)

1913

This iconic bronze sculpture depicts a contemplative female figure seated on a pile of boulders at the water's edge, gazing seaward toward Copenhagen's harbor. Cast in 1913 by sculptor Edvart Eriksen, the work presents a small-scale yet monumental presence through its graceful posture and luminous patina. The figure's nudity and vulnerable pose evoke themes of longing, transformation, and connection to the sea, drawing inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's literary tale. Positioned on the Langelinie promenade among natural rocks, the sculpture has become one of the world's most visited and beloved public artworks, embodying Copenhagen's cultural identity and romantic relationship with the maritime landscape. Photo by Victor Malyushev on Unsplash

Medium
Bronze sculpture

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About this work

Edvard Eriksen, The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue), 1913

This iconic bronze sculpture depicts a contemplative female figure seated on a pile of boulders at the water's edge, gazing seaward toward Copenhagen's harbor. Cast in 1913 by sculptor Edvart Eriksen, the work presents a small-scale yet monumental presence through its graceful posture and luminous patina. The figure's nudity and vulnerable pose evoke themes of longing, transformation, and connection to the sea, drawing inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's literary tale. Positioned on the Langelinie promenade among natural rocks, the sculpture has become one of the world's most visited and beloved public artworks, embodying Copenhagen's cultural identity and romantic relationship with the maritime landscape. Photo by Victor Malyushev on Unsplash

Medium
Bronze sculpture
Year
1913
Seen at
Langelinie promenade

Related themes

Landmark, Bronze, Literary Inspiration, Small Scale, Outdoor, Modernist, Public Art, Sculpture, European Art, Early Twentieth Century, Female Figure, Copenhagen, Waterfront, Danish Culture, Iconic, Patina, Seated Pose, Figurative, Harbor Setting, Romantic