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Form, Faith and Humanity
Ludvig Brandstrup was one of Denmark's leading sculptors in the early 20th century.
Born on the island of Langeland in 1861, he trained as a cabinetmaker before finding his true calling in sculpture. He later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Vilhelm Bissen, where he mastered the classical traditions that would shape his work throughout his career.
A study trip to Italy took him to Florence, where he was deeply inspired by the great masters of the Renaissance. The clarity, balance, and harmony of early Italian sculpture became defining qualities in his own work. Back in Denmark, he created a number of major public monuments, including equestrian statues of King Christian IX in Esbjerg and Slagelse, and led the restoration of Bertel Thorvaldsen's famous Alexanderfrise.
Brandstrup was also an exceptional portrait sculptor. He had a remarkable ability to capture not only a person's appearance but also their character, thoughtfulness, and calm presence. This is clearly seen in his bust of Henry Ussing, which is part of the collection at Nyborg Strand.
The first cast of the bust was placed in Jesus Church in Copenhagen, but the work holds special significance at Nyborg Strand. In the early 1900s, Henry Ussing, together with C. Skovgaard-Petersen, played a key role in transforming Nyborg Strand from a Christian health retreat into an important meeting place for the Danish church. Together, they led the Nyborg Meeting from 1912 to 1940, gatherings that became highly influential within Danish church life.
The Nyborg Meeting are still held at Nyborg Strand today. Each year, they bring together more than 250 participants from across Denmark for a four-day programme of lectures, discussions, and community, focusing on culture, society, and Christianity in Denmark and around the world.
Bronze
1915
52 × 49 × 27 cm
About the Artwork
This bust of Henry Ussing was created by Ludvig Brandstrup, who combines classical form with a strong sense of human presence. His sculptures reflect both exceptional craftsmanship and a quiet sense of humanity - qualities that continue to make his work relevant today, especially here at Nyborg Strand, where art and church history come together.
The artwork can be found in the promenade between Bistroen and Fugleburet.
Priest, theologian, author, and church leader (1855–1948)
Henry Ussing graduated in theology in 1877, and many expected him to pursue an academic career. In 1883, he published the theological work Den christelige Vished (The Certainty of Christian Faith), exploring the idea of being consciously aware of one's faith. This was a central theme in Pietism, and throughout both his preaching and his work within the church, Ussing was a strong advocate for an active and committed Christian congregation.
His theological interests were wide-ranging, reflected in books such as Francis of Assisi and The Triumph of the Gospel Across the World. Alongside his writing, he played a leading role in several church initiatives, including Sunday schools, the Danish Bible Society, and, most notably, the Nyborg Meeting, which he led together with C. Skovgaard-Petersen from 1912 to 1940.
When brewer Carl Jacobsen built Jesus Church in Valby in 1891, he appointed Henry Ussing as its first pastor. Eighteen years later, Ussing was also made dean. The church was filled whenever he preached.
At the same time, he became deeply involved in the Copenhagen Church Foundation (now known as Kirkefondet). As Copenhagen expanded rapidly in the late 19th century, there was an urgent need for more churches. Ussing played a leading role in the nationwide fundraising campaign that made many new church buildings possible.
In 1915, he became a priest at Copenhagen Cathedral and later served as diocesan dean. In 1926, he introduced something entirely new: a morning devotional service. From 1931, it was broadcast on Danish Radio - and it continues to be broadcast to this day.
