25 February – 18 April 1927
Tate
In 1902, the young Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, at only 27 years old, established himself among the leading artists in Sweden with his innovative and romantic monumental sculptures. His breakthrough came with the design for a monument dedicated to Sten Sture, to be placed in Upsala. This work reflected a style rich in contrasts between light and shadow, significantly influenced by the celebrated Auguste Rodin.
The Sten Sture group, monumental in scale and architectural in form, was only erected in 1924 on a wooded hill near the historic university town of Upsala after years of development. By this time, Milles had produced an impressive array of works including vast group sculptures, expressive busts, ornamental fountains, and architectural decorations enhancing churches, banks, and other public buildings. All were crafted meticulously in his studio located in the hills of Lidingö, a place as guarded as a fortress.
Milles’ oeuvre is characterized not merely by the mastery of form, but by a profound intention to express life’s myriad facets — from the raw power of nature’s beasts like bears and elephants, to the sensuous grace of dancers, the ambition of statesmen, and the intellect of scientists. His sculptures capture this diverse vitality, blending monumental romanticism with expressive detail.
Among his notable works are ‘The Sunsinger,’ an ecstatic youth honoring the Swedish national poet Tegnér and his hymn to the sun; and the ‘Monument of Industry,’ a fountain sculpted to depict natural forces harnessed for human advancement. Both monuments were erected in Stockholm in 1926. During the same period, he also completed the charming fountain group ‘Europa and the Bull’ located in Halmstad, a town on Sweden’s west coast.
This exhibition at Tate Britain presents a unique opportunity to explore the life and artistry of Carl Milles, revealing how he transformed monumental sculpture into a vivid celebration of life itself. For those eager to delve deeper into Milles’ legacy, please visit the official page here to enrich your understanding of this master sculptor’s enduring impact.
