The huge equestrian statue of Christian V at the centre of Kongens Nytorv is one of the most famous landmarks in the country. It was the first equestrian sculpture to be erected in Denmark, although hardly the last. It was made in 1688 by the sculptor Lamoreux. It was constructed of gilded lead, owing to the difficulties of casting in bronze on such a scale. It showed the King in the manner of a Roman general, treading over the figure of a man who represents human envy. The current statue is in fact a replica in bronze of the original, since the lead statue proved fragile and needed frequent repairs.
