The Lantern Carriers - Helsinki Central Station - Helsinki, Finland - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com

"The entrance is flanked by Helsinki Central’s most iconic feature: four huge statues, two on each side, each of which hold globe-shaped lamps. Like Helsinki Central itself, they are bridges between the more naturalistic and decorative approaches of Art Nouveau and the more abstract and stylised designs of Art Deco. The bottom halves of the statues are abstract; they have no legs but a half column instead. The columns are sculpted with patterns similar to those surrounding the large window. The upper parts of the statues are largely naturalist in style, except for their hair, which is an Art Deco a finish as you could ever hope to find."

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The statues are by Finnish artist Emil Wikström:

"Emil Wikström (April 13, 1864 in Turku – September 26, 1942) was a Finnish sculptor. Among his best known works are the statues outside Helsinki Central railway station and the memorials of Elias Lönnrot and Johan Vilhelm Snellman.

Emil Wikström studied art in Finnish Art Association's drawing school in Turku and Helsinki, in the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and also in Académie Julian in Paris. Wikström as well as other artists took inspiration for their art from their own country's cultural mythology. Finnish artists studied and worked in Paris. Some decided to retreat to the peace of forest as Wikström reported in a letter to Axel Gallén dated 1898. Wikström was the first to carry out his plan and he found ideal place for himself in Sääksmäki by Lake Vanaja.

Emil Wikström sculpted most of his work in Visavuori, his home and studio in Valkeakoski. Emil Wikström was the most important Finnish sculptor of his time. Best remembered for his public monuments in Helsinki, the statues in railway station, and other cities across Finland, Wikström produced portraits of many statesmen, politicians, businessmen, family and friends, as well as figures from Finnish mythology.

He is buried in the Hietaniemi Cemetery in Helsinki.

Visavuori was opened to the public as a museum in 1966. There many original casts and studies can be seen now.

Wikström's daughters son Kari Suomalainen was famous cartoonist in several Finnish newspapers."

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[Suomi - (visit link) ]

Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: The Lantern Carriers Figure Type: Human Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Emil Wikström Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 1914 Materials used: Stone Location: front of the Helsinki Railway Station

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