Imagine a figure frozen mid-twirl. That’s the Dansende dame Sculpture. It stands as a modern artistic statement in Copenhagen.
The Dansende dame Sculpture, or “Dancing Lady” in English, is a steel sculpture created by Peter Hesk Møller in 2007. Its very presence encourages reflection on the representation of women in public art. It also begs the question. Where are the permanent representations of named women from Danish history?
Many have noted the low number of women represented in the Danish capital. In September 2022 an event in Kongens Nytorv drew attention to this fact. The event was temporary though. The question remains. Where are the permanent representations of women?
There are a few representations of women in public spaces. Five queens, one princess, and a geophysicist exist. You can create a walk to find them.
Near The Little Mermaid, you can find a bust of Princess Marie of Orléans. Carl Martin-Hansen created it in 1912. Princess Marie married Prince Valdemar of Denmark in 1885. She was a forerunner of the modern Danish royals. She was laid back and interacted with people normally. This bust depicts her as the patron of the fire brigade. She also had an anchor tattooed on her shoulder.
Within the rose garden, near Rosenborg Castle, stands Queen Caroline Amalie. Vilhelm Bissen created the full-size rendering in 1896. She was very active in charities. The Queen was a friend and sponsor of Bishop Grundtvig.
In Vor Frue Plads, you can find a modern sculpture of Dr. Inge Lehmann. Elisabeth Tubro designed it in 2017. Dr. Lehmann studied geophysics and seismology. Her sculpture represents her scientific findings and a portrait of her later in life.
Inside Christiansborg Palace, you can find statues of four Danish queens. H.P. Pedersen-Dan completed them. The queens are Thyra, Dagmar, Margrete I, and Philippa. Queen Margrete I ruled over Denmark, Norway, Sweden and more. Queen Thyra Danebod was the wife of Denmark’s first king. Queen Dagmar was born Princess Markéta of Bohemia. Queen Philippa was the daughter of King Henry IV of England.
As you stand before the Dansende dame Sculpture, consider the ongoing conversation about female representation. It is important to remember the historical context of women in Denmark. The Dansende dame serves as a reminder. Public art can spark dialogue. It makes us think about who is remembered and how.