Statues - Hither & Thither

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Helsinki
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Mannerheimintie 3
(Vanha Ylioppilastalo - Old Student Union Building)

Ilmarinen ja Väinämöinen

Ilmarinen and Väinämöinen

Figures from the epos Kalevala

Robert Stigell & Walter Runeberg
1888

Description

Two statues, cast in cement, in niches by Stigel, depicting:

Ilmarinen forging a plough. Seppo Ilmarinen, the Eternal Hammerer, blacksmith and inventor in the Kalevala, is an archetypal artificer from Finnish mythology (Wikipedia).
Väinämöinen playing the kantele. He is the main character in the national epic Kalevala. He was described as an old and wise man, and he possessed a potent, magical voice (Wikipedia).

At the roof is a frieze by Runeberg depicting Cleobis and Biton. The central group of the frieze depicts Cleobis and Biton pulling their mother along in a wagon. They are followed by a procession of priestesses on the left, carrying cult objects, and a small group of people and a some sacrificial lambs. On the right there are soldiers and citizens observing the procession.

Sculptors

Walter Runeberg (Porvoo 1838 - Helsinki 1920), Finnish sculptor (Wikipedia).
Robert Stigell (Suomenlinna 1852 - 1907), Finnish sculptor (Wikipedia).

Sources & Information

Helsinki City Artmuseum, Public Art.

Location (N 60°10'8" - E 24°56'26")

Item Code: fi077; Photograph: 30 June 2013
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt