Why does she look different?

If the figure appears more solid and grounded than many other sculptures, that is entirely intentional. Throughout his career, Gerhard Henning returned time and again to the female nude, portraying women as full-bodied, vital and strong. When critics remarked that his female figures had "legs that were too thick", he replied:

"They say my girls have too thick legs. That may be, but I like it that way. They stand so well on them."

The quote reveals much about Henning's view of the human body. Rather than following the beauty ideals of his time, he created figures with weight, balance and character. This is clearly reflected in Standing Girl, where the calm pose and powerful form give the sculpture a distinctive presence.

An artist devoted to the female figure

Gerhard Henning (1880-1967) was born in Stockholm but spent most of his career in Denmark. He began as a painter and graphic artist before turning to sculpture. For decades, the female figure remained at the centre of his work, inspiring a wide range of sculptures that explored form, proportion and posture.

Today, Henning is regarded as one of Denmark's notable twentieth-century sculptors. He is known for works such as Danaë, Modern Girl, Seated Girl and Reclining Girl. Standing Girl in Odense is a fine example of the artistic style for which he became particularly recognised.

Discover art in Eventyrhaven

Standing Girl is part of the collection of public artworks found throughout Eventyrhaven. The park is also home to the H.C. Andersen statue and Paper Boat, while the nearby Odense River and the surrounding greenery provide a scenic setting.

Together, these sculptures make Eventyrhaven one of the places in Odense where art and public space come together most naturally. Just a few minutes from the city centre, the park offers an easy opportunity to experience both historic monuments and contemporary artworks in a relaxed setting.