The Analysis of “The Little Mermaid” by Edvard Eriksen

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Like many people across the globe, I was raised on the fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen. The characters of these stories are so popular, many Western countries have sculptures depicting them. These stories inspired more than one generation, and their morals and messages remain deeply ingrained in modern children’s storybooks. For this assignment, I chose to analyze the statue from Denmark, the birthplace of H. C. Andersen, called “The Little Mermaid.”

It is crucial to understand the history of this art piece, as it reflects many changes in society. The statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen and created by a Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen in 1913 (Mortensen 437). It has a unique history that is closely tied with political movements in Denmark and even other countries. The statue itself became a source of many political expressions or simple vandalism over the years, to the point where it was blown by explosives in 2003 (“Little Mermaid’s Unexpected Swim”). Its head has also been sawed off multiple times, and once the statue had to be replaced entirely (Mortensen 437). Notably, there are many incidents involving the artwork when political activists shed light on an issue. For example, the statue was covered in red paint, and a message was written nearby that condemned whaling near the Faroe Islands (Jenkins). While it was not the purpose of the statue, it continues to serve as a tourist attraction and as a target for violent expressions.

The subject of the statue is a fairytale character from a popular story with a similar name. The artwork was created to express the beauty of the ballet performance. Ellen Price, a ballerina who played a role in “The Little Mermaid,” served as a model for the sculpture’s face (Mortensen 440). The purpose of the statue is the commemoration of the ballet “The Little Mermaid” that inspired the commissioner (Mortensen 437). One of the roles this sculpture fills is the monument for the captivating stories created by Hans Christian Andersen. It honors the author and his contribution to Western culture. Moreover, while it was commissioned for personal reasons, the events around the statue make it essential for the Danish people.

It is a full-round sculpture placed upon a natural rock. It is located in Copenhagen, Denmark, just next to the shore. Notably, this location leaves the sculpture in easy access for anyone willing to wet their shoes and also makes it vulnerable, but it was not moved away once the incidents began. The size of the sculpture is only 1.25 meters, which has not been changed after the reconstruction (Mortensen 440). Its iconic location correlates with the theme of the statue and the fairytale itself.

In conclusion, “The Little Mermaid” by Edvard Eriksen is a stunning piece of art with a unique role in the history of Denmark. From its creation to these days, it provides a way for people to express themselves and deliver their message to the world. Nowadays, more than a million people visit the statue annually (“Little Mermaid’s Unexpected Swim”). I believe that the incidents involving this statue reflect the social and political trends in Denmark, and it continues to be targeted for that purpose because of its popularity. While the sculpture continues to suffer from human hands, I believe that its value as a reminder of the story’s morals is equally crucial.