Men at Sea

Mennesket ved havet or Men at Sea is a wonderful, but simple group of sculptures, made by Svend Wilg Hansen. 

Giant figures can be called a symbol of Esbjerg, Denmark. This group is situated next to the suburb Sædding and a city beach.

These figures are made of white concrete and represent sitting men. The height of each giant is 9 meters. 

The sculptural ensemble, which can be called a monument, was installed in 1995, in honor of the 100^th anniversary of Esbjerg’s municipality, though it was celebrated a year before – in 1994. But this is not important. The thing is that group of sculptures was sponsored by city authorities and private contributors. Besides, a special fund was created for these purposes. 

The art and spiritual message of this giants’ group is rather simple but so important: several men sit on the shore and wait for somebody, who should come back.

When I look at these sculptures, I have an association with the stoned figures of Easter Island. Do you agree that they have something in common?

I think that the creator of the project “Men at Sea”, the famous Danish painter and sculptor Svend Wilg Hansen could be impressed by this ancient monument. It is known that, when he was making the sculptural group “Men at Sea”, he was inspired by the art of Cycladic culture (Bronze Age, Greek islands) and used it as an art model. 

The group of sculptures has a good position: the men are seen from any ship quitting the city harbor. Besides, from the hill, where this ensemble is installed, you can see a beautiful landscape to Esbjerg, port, and Maritime museum.