Troll smelling christian blood, Bronze statue in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Denmark
This bronze sculpture depicts a troll in a crouching position, with surface textures that resemble tree bark throughout. The artwork sits in the garden section of the museum and serves as a striking example of figurative sculpture.
Niels Hansen Jacobsen created this bronze statue in 1896, originally intended for Jesus Church in Valby. After sparking controversy in the community, it was eventually moved to the museum where it remains on display today.
The sculpture draws on a figure from Norse mythology, where trolls detect human presence through their sense of smell. This theme connects ancient traditions with artistic expression and shows how folklore continues to appear in modern art.
The sculpture is located in the garden section of the museum and is easily accessible to visitors. Keep in mind that as an outdoor work, its appearance changes with the seasons.
The original statue was requested back by the church in 2002, but the museum refused to return it. The artwork was subsequently replicated, allowing the original to remain in the museum's collection.
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