The Toad - Sculpture in Vintapperstraede

Ejgil Westergaard's Animals in Granite

The Toad sculpture was created by sculptor and stone carver Ejgil Westergaard, whose work was often characterised by animal motifs and a deep appreciation of granite as a material. Unveiled in 1990, the sculpture in Vintapperstræde is a fine example of his distinctive style.

The work demonstrates Westergaard's ability to create character and narrative in a material more commonly associated with strength and permanence.

The Toad, the Storks and the Small Details

The smiling toad is the central figure of the sculpture, accompanied by a family of storks consisting of a mother, father and chick. The artwork is designed as a small granite basin and incorporates a natural stone recovered from the waters around the island of Samsø. Both the toad and the storks are carved directly into the stone, giving the sculpture its distinctive appearance.

The sculpture is located at Vintappertorvet in Vintapperstræde, where its many details are best appreciated at close range. It also offers a glimpse of the craftsmanship that characterises Westergaard's work with stone and animal subjects.

From Hans Christian Andersen to Odense's Fairy Tale Sculptures

The sculpture draws its inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Toad, in which a small toad dreams of experiencing more of the world beyond the well where it lives.

The Toad sculpture is part of Odense's collection of fairy tale sculptures inspired by Andersen's stories. Together, they create a trail through the city inspired by Andersen's stories. If you visit The Toad sculpture, let it be the starting point for exploring the city's other fairy tale sculptures and discovering Odense through the stories of Hans Christian Andersen.