The Little Mermaid stares out at the sea. She’s a Copenhagen icon. A bronze beauty sculpted by Edvard Eriksen. Her image is instantly recognizable.
This isn’t just any statue. It’s a story waiting to be told. A story of a ballerina’s face and a sculptor’s wife’s body. The original model Ellen Price refused to pose nude. So Eriksen’s wife Eline took her place. The result is a captivating blend of elegance and mystery.
Commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen this little mermaid was unveiled in 1913. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale the statue captivated Copenhagen. It became a major tourist attraction. But its fame also made it a target.
Vandals attacked repeatedly. In 1964 her head was sawed off. Stolen by artists who never returned it. In 1984 her arm vanished. Only to reappear two days later. Explosives were used in 2003. The mermaid landed in the harbor. The attacks never stopped. Paintings. Dildos attached to her hand. Political messages. Despite the vandalism she is always restored. She remains a symbol of resilience and enduring beauty.
A copy of The Little Mermaid even travelled to Shanghai. For the 2010 World Expo. Imagine this small statue on display so far from home. A testament to her fame. Copenhagen even placed a temporary copy in Tivoli Gardens. While the original was away.
Today The Little Mermaid is a symbol of Copenhagen. A symbol of Denmark’s artistic heritage and cultural identity. She endures a testament to both beauty and resilience. She stands proudly on her rock. A silent sentinel watching over the waters of Copenhagen.