Statues - Hither & Thither

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Helsinki
Uusimaa

Vanha kirkkopuisto
(Old Church Park)

Suomalaisten sotilaiden hauta

Finnish Soldiers' Grave

Memorial for the victims of the War of Independence

Erik Bryggman & Elias Ilkka
1920

Helsinki / Suomalaisten sotilaiden hauta

Description

Black granite memorial with on the large sides two bas-reliefs, depicting horse-riding youths and a youth holding the harnesses of a horse. These reliefs are reminiscent of Greek art and perhaps based on the reliefs in the frieze of Parthenon in Athens. The Greek style reliefs are a choice with a symbolical content: in the early years of its independence Finland was likened to the small Greece fighting its gigantic eastern adversary, Persia.

On the smaller sides are texts and a list of names.

Inscription(s)

Kaunis on, Isänmaa Elo kuolo Sun Kasuojes Eessä Helppoa Nukkua on Mullassa Maan Vappa- han fallna för Finland sönerna slumre lugnt i den friköpta Fädernejorden	O beautiful land of the Fathers, For you in life and death, How sweet it is to sleep in your free soil
kiitollis uudella helsingin kaupuncilta med tack samhet av helsingfors stad	With gratitude from the City of Helsinki

Memorial - list of names

We have photos of the list(s) of the names on this memorial. Contact us if you want to see these lists. (contact form)

Sculptors

Erik Bryggman (Turku 1891 - Turku 1955), Finnish architect (Wikipedia).
Elias Ilkka (Jalasjärvi 1889 - Jalasjärvi 1968), Finnish sculptor (Wikipedia).

Sources & Information

Helsinki City Artmuseum, Public Art.

Locatie (N 60°9'56" - E 24°56'26") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: fi120; Photograph: 1 July 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

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