The Knife Wrestlers, Bronze sculpture at National Museum entrance, Stockholm, Sweden
The Knife Wrestlers depicts two men locked in fierce combat, bound together by a belt while wielding knives atop a decorated rectangular base. The figures are carved in a dynamic pose that conveys the intensity of their struggle through intertwined bodies and tense positioning.
Sculptor Johan Peter Molin created the original zinc cast in 1859, drawing on romantic ideals of Nordic battle traditions. The bronze version was exhibited in Stockholm in 1862, bringing the work widespread recognition across Sweden.
The work draws on an old Nordic tradition of knife fighting deeply rooted in Swedish folklore. The runic inscriptions and relief scenes carved on all four sides of the base tell this combat story through images.
Multiple bronze casts of this work stand in public locations across Sweden, including Gothenburg, Vänersborg, and Hällefors, making them freely accessible to visitors. Since these are outdoor bronze sculptures, they can be visited year-round without restrictions or entry requirements.
The faces of the fighting men were modeled after Molin's friends Gunnar Wennerberg and Hans Forssell, two prominent figures in 19th century Swedish society. This choice linked a legendary battle scene with recognizable contemporary faces, creating an unusual blend of historical narrative and personal connection.
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