Sjöguden, Sculpture in Gamla stan, Stockholm, Sweden
Sjöguden is a large granite sculpture on Skeppsbron quay in Gamla stan, next to the Räntmästartrappan staircase. It shows a sea god holding a shy mermaid, with smooth, simple forms carved from solid red granite.
Carl Milles made the piece in 1913, but it was not placed on Skeppsbron until 1930. He had planned ten large figures along the quaysides, yet only this one was realized.
You can often see people pause here to take photos or simply look at the two figures by the water. The sculpture sits where boats pass, linking the daily movement of the harbor to old sea legends that remain part of local storytelling.
Walk along Skeppsbron to find it near the staircase; the quay is flat and easy to reach on foot from the Old Town. Viewing from different sides helps you notice the contrast between the two figures.
The granite block is so heavy that it stands out even among other public works in the city. After finishing this piece, Milles turned toward sea creatures and underwater themes, so the sculpture marks the start of a direction that shaped much of his later art.
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