«Rottejomfruen» (Rat virgin)
0
Located on Bakkestranda just outside the center of Skien, you will find the sculpture "Rottejomfruen". The 7-meter tall sculpture "Rottejomfruen" draws inspiration from Henrik Ibsen's play "Little Eyolf". It is situated in Bakkestranda, one of the most popular outdoor areas in Skien. "Rottejomfruen" depicts a lady who visits homes asking if there's anything that gnaws and troubles them. She refers to rats, but between the lines, we understand Ibsen questions whether there's something gnawing and troubling between people. Created by artist Marit Benthe Norheim, the sculpture features porcelain eyes contributed by 2,349 pupils from Skien's schools, each embedded into the 7-meter tall sculpture. In addition to being a work of art, the sculpture serves as a playground apparatus, with a slide inside that is especially popular among young children.