An attempted theft of the historic bronze sculpture En stående Eva in Randers left one leg cut through and the other cut 80 percent through, the municipality says.
According to reporting by DR, the sculpture was almost cut free from its base. It has stood at the entrance to the central city park Skovbakken since 1950. Mayor Rosa Lykke Yde of SF said one leg was severed completely, while the other was cut 80 percent through.
In a press release, the mayor said whoever did it came very close to taking the work away. She said the incident makes her both angry and sad, because the sculpture is part of the city’s shared cultural heritage. The work was created by the sculptor Johan Galster.
Randers Municipality describes the damage as an attempted theft. Per the municipality, it happened during the night from Wednesday to Thursday, and staff became aware of it on Thursday morning. The case has since been reported to the police.
As reported by TV 2 Østjylland, police received a report at 00.05 from a witness. The witness saw a man sawing at the sculpture with an electric saw. The broadcaster adds that police have released a description of a suspect.
Repairs and new surveillance
Politiken reports that a bronze conservator is repairing the damage to the figure. The newspaper adds that the municipality has placed a temporary barrier around the sculpture. DR reports that work to repair the damage is already under way.
Randers Municipality has decided to install camera surveillance in the area around Skovbakken. Guards will also be present in the park more often, according to Helga Hjerrild, culture consultant at Randers Municipality.
Hjerrild said in the press release that En stående Eva is a beautiful, classical work, and that it is regrettable to see it targeted. She noted that many of the municipality’s sculptures have stood in public space for generations, some of them for more than 100 years.
According to Hjerrild, the artworks are there for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents. For that reason, she said, the municipality wants its public artworks to be left in peace. The press release was distributed by Randers Municipality through Ritzau.
Save up to 2,800 DKK on Your Electricity Bill
FindElpriser helps you switch electricity providers quickly and easily.
The mayor’s comments and the municipality’s account of the damage were issued in the same press release. DR reports that the police investigation is ongoing after the case was reported. No arrest has been reported in connection with the incident.
