A mermaid statue in Copenhagen has ignited intense public controversy over its depiction of the female body, with critics calling it vulgar and oversexualized while defenders argue it represents artistic freedom. The debate centers on "The Great Mermaid," a 14-foot-tall bronze sculpture that has repeatedly drawn criticism for what many consider inappropriate proportions, particularly regarding the statue's breast size.
Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, is renowned for numerous attractions including Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn harbor, and Rosenborg Castle. However, the city is perhaps best known for the iconic "Little Mermaid" statue, which has attracted tourists since 1913. This delicate bronze figure, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, measures only 1.25 meters tall and weighs 175 kilograms. In response to complaints about the original statue's small size, restaurateur Peter Bech commissioned a significantly larger version in 2006.
The new statue, called "The Great Mermaid," stands four meters tall and weighs 14 tons, making it an unmistakable landmark. Originally placed near its smaller counterpart, the statue was forced to relocate in 2018 following pressure from local residents. Even at its new location in Dragør, a small town in the greater Copenhagen area, the statue continues to face opposition from the community.
The controversy has reignited intense public discussion about the statue's representation of the female form. Critics focus primarily on the statue's proportions, especially the depiction of the mermaid's breasts. Many view this as an oversexualized and unrealistic portrayal of women's bodies, with numerous residents finding the sculpture vulgar and offensive.
Art critic Mathias Kryger described the statue as "pornographic and ugly" in an article for the online magazine TV2Kosmopol. He received support from parish priest and journalist Sorine Gotfredsen, who expressed concerns about the impact of such representations in the newspaper Berlingske. "Erecting a statue that corresponds to a hot male fantasy of how a woman should look will hardly help many women accept their own bodies," Gotfredsen wrote.
Bech, who commissioned the statue nearly 20 years ago, continues to defend his creation. "The little mermaid had smaller breasts, that was the norm back then. Mine fits better with our times," Bech explained to the Danish tabloid Se og Hør. He also emphasized the fantastical nature of the subject matter, arguing, "A mermaid is not subject to the laws of gravity. She swims around in the water, and therefore her breasts sit high, so it's completely natural."
While the original Little Mermaid continues to rest peacefully on her rock along Copenhagen's Langelinie promenade, the future of her larger counterpart remains uncertain. The controversy demonstrates that art, especially when presented in public spaces, often serves as more than mere decoration—it can act as a catalyst for important societal debates about body image, artistic expression, and community values.
Local cultural authorities and municipal politicians in Dragør want to remove the statue, while Bech has offered to donate it to the city. However, city officials have so far rejected his offer. The statue's creator is now searching for a new location for the 14-ton sculpture. He may soon find a home for it in the neighboring town of Tårnby, where municipal politician Paw Karslund has expressed willingness to advocate for its placement. "I won't hide the fact that the statue is an eye-catcher," Karslund told Danish broadcaster TV2. He believes the criticism is excessive and maintains that "nobody should be bothered by a pair of breasts."
