Equestrian statue of Charles XIV John of Sweden, Bronze equestrian monument in Karl Johans Gate, Oslo, Norway
This equestrian bronze sculpture portrays a king in military dress holding a commander's baton aloft. The monument stands at the intersection of Karl Johans Gate and Slottsplassen, marking a prominent spot in central Oslo.
This bronze sculpture was created in 1875 by artist Brynjulf Bergslien to honor a king who ruled Sweden and Norway from 1818 to 1844. The monument was erected during the period when both nations shared the same crown.
The statue shows a monarch in military uniform on horseback, which reflects the connection between Sweden and Norway during their time as a shared kingdom. The monument stands where people pass by daily and experience it as part of city life.
The sculpture is easy to reach and located on the street between the Royal Palace and the Parliament Building, where many people pass through. It serves as a natural gathering spot that visitors can encounter while walking through the city.
The king shown on horseback was originally a military commander under Napoleon in France before becoming a Scandinavian ruler. This surprising connection to French warfare is a detail many visitors overlook when viewing the monument.
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