Einar Jónsson

Einar Jónsson (Known as "Einar Jónsson")

First Icelandic Sculptor, Symbolist Master, Creator of The Outlaws and Thorfinn Karlsefni

Born 1874-05-11

Galtafell, Iceland

Passed Away 1954-10-18 Reykjavík, Iceland

Lifespan 80 years old

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"Sculpture is the materialization of spiritual thought; stone and bronze must house the immortal idea."

Archival Overview

Pioneering symbolist sculptor recognized as the father of Icelandic sculpture, whose monumental bronzes include Útlagar (The Outlaws) and the statue of Thorfinn Karlsefni in Philadelphia.

Biographical Record

Einar Jónsson was born on May 11, 1874, at Galtafell farm in southern Iceland. Moving to Copenhagen in 1893, he studied sculpture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, but broke with classical realism to forge an intensely spiritual, esoteric symbolism rooted in Nordic mythology and theosophy.

In 1901, Jónsson achieved breakthrough acclaim with his plaster masterpiece Útlagar (The Outlaws), showing a medieval outlaw carrying his dead wife across mountain snows with his young child on his back. In 1909, the Icelandic Parliament agreed to build Iceland's first purpose-built museum atop Skólavörðuholt in Reykjavík in exchange for Jónsson donating all his sculptures to the nation.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Galtafell Family Cemetery
Galtafell, Iceland

                         GPS: 63.8500, -20.5000                    

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