The Bjørnson statue outside Den Nationale Scene was unveiled before a huge crowd on 17 May 1917. Gustav Vigeland’s work inspired both enthusiasm and strong reactions.
On 17 May 1917, the statue of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson outside Den Nationale Scene was unveiled before an enormous crowd. That year’s Constitution Day was dedicated especially to seafarers. In the morning, flags were lowered to half-mast in memory of Norwegian sailors who had lost their lives serving their country during the ongoing world war.
The unveiling of the Bjørnson statue was nevertheless the highlight of the day. The sculptor was Gustav Vigeland, and opinions were varied. According to Bergens Aftenblad, the public was delighted: the energetic figure stood there to everyone’s satisfaction. Others saw it differently.
Bjørnson’s widow, Karoline, a native of Bergen, attended and told her companions, “Don’t look at him, he is terrible.” The best-remembered remark played on the statue’s portrayal of Bjørnson striding forward: “Mykje har han skrevet — og godt har han skrevet, Men denne gangen har han forskrevet seg.” The Norwegian wordplay links his writing with his exaggerated stride: he had written much and written well, but this time he had overreached.
Karoline Bjørnson was among the large crowd when the statue of her husband, Bjørnstjerne, was unveiled on 17 May 1917.
The saying “Mykje har han skrevet — og godt har han skrevet, Men denne gangen har han forskrevet seg” circulated after the unveiling on 17 May 1917, playing on Bjørnson’s writing and the statue’s long stride. Photo: Atelier KK. Source: marcus.uib.no, Picture Collection, Special Collections, University of Bergen Library.