Equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon in Copenhagen Denmark

CountryDenmark
Town:Copenhagen
Year of creation:1902
Rider(s):Absalon, Bishop

Absalon (1128-1201), a Danish archbishop, was the closest advisor of King Valdemar I of Denmark, and as such the foremost politician of Denmark. He was a key figure in the Danish policies of territorial expansion in the Baltic Sea, Europeanization in close relationship with the Holy See in Rome, and reform in the relation between the Church and the public. He supported a strong monarchical power.
Sculptor(s):Bissen, Vilhelm

(1836 –1913), son of Herman Wilhelm Bissen, one of the leading Danish sculptors of his day, was a Danish sculptor He is mainly known for a number of statues around Copenhagen, Upon his father’s death in 1868, he continued his workshop and completed his ongoing projects. These included most notably the equestrian statue of King Frederik VII for the plaza in front of Christiansborg Palace (1873)

Description:

A fine neo-romantic equestrian in the town he founded: Copenhagen by Vilhelm Bissen (1902) showing Absalon sitting aloft on his rearing horse, portrayed as a warrior in helmet and armour and with a battle-axe in his hand.