Imagine Memory personified. The Maritime Monument stands here. It commemorates Danish sailors. They lost their lives during World War I. This monument is a poignant reminder. It stands near Langelinie Marina. It’s officially called Söfartsmonumentet in Danish.
Now look at the bronze sculpture. A winged female figure represents Memory. She is inspired by Nike of Samothrace. This classical Hellenistic sculpture embodies remembrance. The statue stands on a rhombus-shaped podium. The podium features narrative reliefs. These tell the stories of loss and resilience.
Let’s delve into its history. The Danish Steamship Owners’ Association decided to act in 1921. They terminated a war accident insurance policy. Unused funds of about DKK 435000 would create a memorial. This would honor the seamen of the Danish merchant fleet. They perished at sea during the war. The decision was approved in 1923.
Christian Sass, Johan Hansen, A.N. Petersen and Eilert Maegaard oversaw the project. DKK 50000 was allocated. Einar Utzon-Frank and others served as artistic consultants.
An invited competition took place. But no entries were suitable. A second round followed. Svend Rathsack and Ivar Bentson won. Their project was selected.
The monument was inaugurated on May 9 1928. The Danish royal family attended. Government ministers and civil servants were present. Representatives from commercial and cultural circles came too. Surviving relatives of deceased sailors also attended. King Christian X spoke. The Chairman of the Danish Steamship Owners’ Association gave a speech. The lord mayor of Copenhagen also spoke. A cantata was sung too. Hans Hartvig Seedorff and Johan Hye-Knudsen wrote it.
Over the years the limestone reliefs decayed. The base was originally limestone. Italian marble replaced it. Marble is more weather resistant. Restoration began in 2009. The monument was reinaugurated in 2011.
The winged figure is Remembrance. The names of 101 Danish ships are listed. They sunk during World War I. The names of 648 drowned sailors are also inscribed.
The podium’s reliefs draw inspiration from Borobudur on Java. The front shows a sinking ship. It collided with a naval mine. Sailors jump overboard. They evacuate to another ship.
The left rear side depicts Mars. He points his sword at an eagle. The eagle attacks a gull. This symbolizes the Great Powers’ assault. It represents the assault on the small peaceful nation. The right rear side shows Mercury. He wears his winged helmet. He points to three doves. Mercury is the God of trade and seafaring. The fourth relief depicts a fatherless family.
Consider the models and sketches. They show the monument’s evolution. A model was submitted in 1924. Ivar Bentsen created renderings. Various models show Victoria holding a stylus. Other versions show her with a wreath.
The Maritime Monument stands as a tribute. It honors those lost at sea. It reminds us of the human cost of war. It symbolizes remembrance and resilience. It is a lasting testament to the brave Danish sailors.