Gustav Vasa sculpture, Wooden sculpture at Nordic Museum, Sweden.
Gustav Vasa is a wooden sculpture displayed in the Nordic Museum in Stockholm, showing the Swedish king standing with careful attention to craftsmanship and proportions. The work occupies space in the museum with a dignified presence that draws the eye.
The first version was created in gypsum in 1906, while the final wooden version was completed in 1925 for permanent museum display. This gap between the two versions reflects the artist's evolving vision over two decades.
The sculpture depicts a ruler who shaped Swedish independence, and visitors encounter it as a symbol of national identity within the museum space. The figure's presence resonates with how people understand their country's formative period and leadership.
The sculpture can be viewed during the museum's regular opening hours, and its location within the exhibition spaces is straightforward to find. Plan time to look closely at the details of the wooden carving and craftsmanship from different angles.
The artist had studied under Auguste Rodin in Paris, and this training subtly shaped the work's approach to form and expression. The blend of northern woodcarving traditions with what the sculptor learned in France creates something distinctive.
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