Equestrian Statue of Karl IX: Gothenburg's Copper Mare
Stand before the dynamic Equestrian Statue of Karl IX in Kungsportsplatsen, depicting the city's founder surveying the bustling square. Cast in dark weathered bronze, this imposing monument features the king in detailed 17th-century armor.
The statue was sculpted by John Börjeson and cast at the Otto Meyer art foundry in Stockholm. It was officially unveiled on September 7, 1904, during a grand ceremony attended by King Oscar II. Today, it stands as a prominent navigational waypoint between Gothenburg's historic canal ring and its central retail district.
The Beloved 'Kopparmärra'
Universally known among Gothenburg locals as the "Kopparmärra" (The Copper Mare), the monument's nickname is a classic example of regional humor. The moniker is actually a double misnomer: the statue is forged from bronze rather than pure copper, and the sculpted horse is anatomically a stallion, not a mare.
Sculptor John Börjeson initially considered designing a standing figure of the king. During design deliberations, he famously joked that a horse had somehow found its way between the king's legs, cementing the equestrian concept.
A Tribute to the First Gothenburg
The monument commemorates King Karl IX, who founded the precursor to Gothenburg in 1603 on the island of Hisingen. This early settlement was ultimately burned down by Danish forces in 1611 during the Kalmar War, before his son, Gustav II Adolf, established the modern city in 1621.
Funded largely by local civic subscriptions in the late 19th century under the initiative of Lieutenant Colonel Albert Fredrik Jacobsson, the statue has seen some changes over the decades. Originally positioned in the middle of Östra Hamngatan, it was relocated slightly eastward to its present position between 1935 and 1936 to improve tram and road traffic flow. The monument also underwent a full cleaning, patina restoration, and structural stabilization from 2018 to 2019.
The City's Central Meeting Point
Today, the Equestrian Statue of Karl IX anchors Kungsportsplatsen, a square named after the demolished King's Gate. The elevated granite pedestal marks the northern gateway to Kungsportsavenyn, Gothenburg's primary ceremonial boulevard.
The monument serves as Gothenburg's most famous outdoor meeting spot. The stone steps surrounding the base act as daily informal seating for commuters, shoppers, students, and tourists. Those resting on the steps are surrounded by a constant soundscape of blue Gothenburg trams rumbling and ringing their bells across the square, layered with pedestrian bustle and street musicians.
Curiosities and Royal Details
The statue holds a few hidden historical curiosities. In October 1977, thieves managed to steal the king's 17-kilogram bronze sword and one of his spurs. The recovered original pieces later resurfaced and were placed in the collection of the Gothenburg City Museum, while the statue itself was fitted with cast replicas.
Observers admiring the granite pedestal will also notice an inscription bearing King Karl IX's royal motto: "Jehova är min tröst," which translates to "Jehovah is my comfort."
FAQ
Why is the Equestrian Statue of Karl IX called 'Kopparmärra'?
The nickname 'The Copper Mare' is a double misnomer born from local humor. The statue is made of bronze, not copper, and the horse is anatomically a stallion rather than a mare.
When was the Equestrian Statue of Karl IX unveiled?
The bronze monument was officially unveiled on September 7, 1904, during a ceremony attended by King Oscar II.
What was stolen from the Karl IX statue in 1977?
In October 1977, thieves stole the king's 17-kilogram bronze sword and a spur. The original pieces were later recovered and placed in the Gothenburg City Museum, while replicas were added to the statue.
