The Little Mermaid

Commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg, the statue was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale. Jacobsen had become fascinated by the story after watching a ballet performance based on the tale at Copenhagen's Royal Theatre. He asked sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a bronze statue to adorn the harbor, immortalizing the tragic character who gave up everything for love. The statue was officially unveiled on August 23, 1913, and has since become the most recognizable symbol of Denmark. Interestingly, the sculptor used his wife, Eline Eriksen, as the model for the body because the prima ballerina, Ellen Price, who inspired the project, refused to pose in the nude. This blend of artistic inspiration and personal craftsmanship created a figure that appears both delicate and enduring. Despite her worldwide fame, the statue has faced a tumultuous existence, serving as a frequent target for political activists and vandals. She has been decapitated twice, had her arm sawn off, and been blasted off her rock with explosives. Each time, she has been meticulously restored using the original molds, ensuring that her melancholic gaze continues to welcome travelers to the shores of Copenhagen.