Holger Wederkinch

HOLGER WEDERKINCH (Denmark, 1886-1959).
"Bird hunting a snake".1917.
Patinated bronze.
Signed and dated on the base.
On wooden base.
Measurements: 13 x 21 x 6 cm (sculpture); 4 x 25 x 9 cm (base).

The Danish sculptor Holger Wederkinch developed monumental work destined to the public space and, in parallel, varied thematic, mainly animalistic, in small format. The sculptural group shown here is characteristic of his plastic work in that it combines naturalistic description with mythological or allegorical insinuation, as the theme of the bird and the snake acquires a multiple meaning in a diversity of cultures: symbol of duality and dominion, of transformation and rebirth.

Holger Wederkinch was born in Sønderby. His most outstanding works are: The bronze figure of the Polar Bear with her cubs (Isbjørn med unger, 1929, for which he received the gold medal in Paris), is installed in Langelinie, was donated in 1937 to the port of Copenhagen by an anonymous benefactor.; and "La France renaissante", 1930, overlooking the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This piece was offered by the Danish community in Paris in 1930. He is buried in the Western Cemetery in Copenhagen.