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Mother Denmark (Danish: Moder Danmark) is the femalepersonification ofDenmark and apatriotic emblem of the Danish nation.
Allegorial representations of Denmark as a woman with antique garments and a coat of arms are first seen in the 18th century. In the 19th century, withRomantic Nationalism, it became more common. Writers such asN.F.S. Grundtvig,B. S. Ingemann andSteen Steensen Blicher have all used Mother Denmark as a national symbol of Denmark and a manifestation of national emotions.[1]
In 1851, under influence of the Danish victory in theBattle of Isted,Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann created a painting of Mother Denmark in the form of a young woman, with aDannebrog andViking jewellery, holding an antique sword, walking through a field. The painting became a model for many later depictions of Mother Denmark.[1]
In the second half of the 20th century, Mother Denmark references grew out of fashion. They have since then mainly been used in caricature drawing.[2]
Many monuments and memorials that commemorate the 1920 ReunificationSønderjylland with Denmark incorporate a Mother Denmark figure, typically accompanied by a daughter, representing Sønderjylland. An example is theReunification Memorial at the main entrance toFælledparken inCopenhagen.[3]
A statue of Mother Denmark is also seen in theDanish Emigrants Memorial in Copenhagen.[4]
The sculptor Arne Bang has also created aMother Denmark sculpture. A bronze cast of it is located inFensmark.
