The sculpture of the naked blacksmiths stands in the little square on the corner of Mannerheimintie and Aleksanterinkatu in the centre of Helsinki. Rumour has it that if a virgin passes a hammer will hit the anvil.
The sculpture was created by Felix Nylund in 1932. It survived the bombing in the Continuation War.
I think it looks wonderful, day or night.
Nice photos of the sculpture. Your photos remind me of an excellent visit to Suomenlinna which you may be interested to read about. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
http://bespoketraveler.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/the-sea-fortress-of-helsinki/
Your photos of Suomenlinna are excellent. I have been there a couple of times. It is a beautiful island full of history.
With the snow and the jet black sky they look set to come to life…
They do look lifelike at night.
Oh, if only they would come to life!
It wouldn’t be a bad thing.
These are some strong handsome men! Thanks for the butt shots!
I aim to please.
I like it! Fine work and beautiful result from the artist. The anecdote about the virgin is interesting.
I have not seen the hammer strike the anvil yet.
There’s such life in these sculptures. Thanks for sharing them!
I pass this statue several times a month if not a week, and have never really given it a thought nor more than a glance (and never heard about the anecdote, either). For me, it’s just a statue that’s always been there. Your post introduced me to a whole new way of seeing it! Beautiful pictures!
Helsinki is full of wonderful things. I hope you notice all the gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings.
[…] in the city I walk past the naked blacksmiths. Look for the bullet holes left from the […]