Konstverk Kristina Nilsson

“Kristina Nilsson”

Artist: Carl Fagerberg (1878 - 1948)

Location: Ljungby, Järnvägsparken (Railway Park)

Year: 1938

In 1936, the town of Ljungby was granted its city rights. “Time for Ljungby to also receive some artistic embellishment!” thought wholesaler Oscar Sohlberg, who donated a sum of money to the municipality with the request that it be used to create a sculpture of Kristina Nilsson.

The story of Kristina Nilsson (1843 - 1921) is a Cinderella tale—the true story of the poor cottage girl who became an internationally celebrated singer. Kristina Nilsson grew up in humble circumstances in a large family in Snugge, just outside Växjö. Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, she performed as a child at markets to earn some money. At the age of 14, Kristina sang at the market in Ljungby. In the audience were district judge Fredrik Tornérhielm and pharmacist Berg, who decided to ensure that the talented Kristina received proper vocal training. Her education took her to Paris, and soon after, she graced the grand opera stages around the world. The stone where Kristina Nilsson stood and sang when she was discovered in Ljungby still exists at the cobblestone square in front of Gästgivaregården on Ljungby’s old square.

On the pedestal of the statue, you can see some of the roles that Kristina Nilsson portrayed: Violetta from La Traviata, Ophélie from Hamlet, and Marguerite from Faust.