A Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale in bronze and granite

Created by Bengt Pontus Kjerrman and unveiled in 1995, the sculpture is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of two porcelain figures who fall in love and dream of shaping their own future. Made from granite and bronze, it is one of several sculptures in Odense inspired by Andersen’s stories.

At the top of the column stand the shepherdess and the chimney sweep, just as they emerge from the chimney in the fairy tale. Lower down, you will find other familiar characters, including the Old Chinaman and the Goat-Legged Field Sergeant-Major-General. The sculpture invites you to revisit the story while exploring its many details.

The sculpture that makes you look up

Why is the sculpture placed so high above the street? That's part of its charm. The artwork encourages you to look beyond the bustle of everyday city life and take in both the sculpture and the beautiful façades that surround it. Its elevated position also captures one of the story’s most dramatic moments, when the two characters stand on the rooftop and gaze out at the world beyond.

More than a fairy tale cast in bronze and granite, the sculpture has become a natural part of the cityscape and a reminder of the close connection between Hans Christian Andersen and Odense.

Discover more fairy tale sculptures in Odense

The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep is just one of several Andersen-inspired sculptures found around the city. If you would like to discover more, follow the Fairy Tale Sculptures walking route. The trail leads you to other characters and stories from Andersen’s universe while offering a fresh perspective on Odense along the way.