Sitting on a rock in Copenhagen harbour is a bronze statue of the Little Mermaid. She is the heroine of one of Hans Christian Andersen’s best known fairy tales.
The sculpture was inspired by ballerina Ellen Price, who in 1909 danced the lead role in the ballet The Little Mermaid at the Royal Theatre.
However, Ellen Price would not model in the nude for sculptor Edvard Eriksen. Thus Eriksen’s wife, Eline Eriksen, posed for the sculpture of The Little Mermaid.
The little mermaid has several times been the victim of vandalism. Twice she has lost her head, once the arm was sawn off, and several times she has had paint poured on her.
But every time she is rescued and restored, so she can stay in her place by the water and bid travelers welcome to Copenhagen harbor.
Credit : Visit Copenhagen
Picture Credit : Google
