The “Little Mermaid” and its history

The worldwide famous sculpture of the “Little Mermaid” at Langelinie quay, Copenhagen, of which the 100 years anniversary was gloriously celebrated these days, not only in Denmark but in several other Countries as well, was donated to the city of Copenhagen by Carl Jacobsen (son of Carlsberg’s founder, J.C.Jacobsen) in 1913.
(Carl’s name constitutes the first component of the name Carlsberg.

The second component is “berg” which means hill. So, Carlsberg, means, Carl’s hill).
Carl, an extremely cultured person, was very fond of the ballet and often visited the Royal Theatre.

Obsessed by the ballet ”The Little Mermaid”, and by the dancer Ellen Price de Plane who starred in the title role, he engaged the famous artist, Edvard Eriksen, to create a sculpture that would capture her graceful figure. Eriksen took on the job and sculpted the Mermaid using his wife, Eline Eriksen, as model.
Today The Little Mermaid is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Denmark.

By Photos Ja. Photiades PhD.
President, Carlsberg Brewing Company, Cyprus